Starting Music? Avoid These 5 Beginner Pitfalls
• ⋆ by Auriel ✴︎ September 23, 2025 ⋆•
No matter who you are, starting something new is terrifying. Whether that’s learning a new instrument, picking up a sport, or trying your hand at cake decorating, the early stages are always filled with frustration and doubt.
I can’t speak much for cake decorating, but for beginners getting into music, I can tell you that there are hundreds of lists out there detailing the mistakes you are either making right now or will make in the future.
It goes without saying that if you were aware of these mistakes, you could avoid them.
The problem is, however, that reading through so many lists is time-consuming and a waste of effort.
That is why I decided to take the five most important mistakes and make a short version of all these lists.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Expecting Instant Results
We live in a world where everything and anything can happen at the tap of a finger. When it comes to music, however, everything and anything takes time.
I know how frustrating it is not to see improvements right away, but you really don’t have a choice but to be patient.
Just know this: No rational musician would expect a beginner to master an instrument overnight.
We can barely play those things ourselves—who are we to judge you?
Here is a small list of things you could focus on rather than immediate results:
I. Realistic Milestones. Make small, achievable goals that you can celebrate along the way. (For example, a small achievable goal could be to play a scale cleanly, without stopping, three times in a row.)
II. Consistency. Show up every day. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
III. Quality > Quantity. Pay attention to how you’re practicing, not how long.
IV. Small Wins. Celebrate learning one measure, mastering one passage, or fixing one mistake. It’s a bigger achievement than you think!
V. How Things Feel. Notice what feels easy and what feels hard. If you’re experiencing any physical pain, stop immediately!!
2. Ignoring the Basics
It’s tempting to skip the “boring stuff” and jump straight into repertoire. It’s something that even professional musicians struggle with, but without a strong foundation, things crumble quickly.
Think of it like building your dream house: no matter how pretty the upper floors look, the house won’t stay upright for long if the foundation is shaky.
Here are two things you could do to make sure you’re keeping up with the basics:
I. Create a Routine Around Fundamentals. The basics should be a non-negotiable part of each and every one of your practice sessions. This will build muscle memory and prevent backsliding.
II. Pair Them With Something Fun. If you really can’t bear to practice the fundamentals, then try pairing it with something fun. (For example, you can practice scales using rhythms you like, or write short little pieces with a key or time signature you just learned about.)
3. Comparing Yourself to Others
Scrolling through social media and seeing well-seasoned musicians play something flawlessly can leave you feeling inadequate.
I know that feeling—we all do.
But as a beginner, comparing yourself to these musicians is just unfair.
You’re new to this, and you still have a long, long way to go.
I know that with the evolution of social media, comparing ourselves negatively to others has become something of human nature.
These comparisons (especially for musicians) can not only leave us with an unpleasant feeling about ourselves, but also a negative outlook on life. Besides, it’s not like you could avoid seeing others play—that’s just impractical.
So I’m proposing you try this instead:
Use others for inspiration, not competition. Everyone is on a journey—focus on your own.
4. Practicing Without a Purpose
Many beginners equate “time spent” with “productivity,” or “improvement,” but mindless repetition often leads to the development of bad habits.
If you’d like some practice tips, try giving this a read:
Or if you would like to read more on mindless practicing, try this article instead:
5. Being Afraid to Make Mistakes
Ironically, one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a beginner is to avoid making mistakes.
I know you want to get it right the first time, but you must give yourself permission to fail, because making mistakes and acknowledging them is the only way to grow.
Think about children learning to walk. They fall constantly, but do they ever stop trying? If they were too afraid to fall, they’d never take another step after the first stumble.
The same is true in developing any skill—mistakes aren’t setbacks, they’re stepping stones.
If you are struggling with this, give this method a try:
Laugh at slip-ups. Humor naturally brightens any situation and takes away the power of embarrassment.
In Conclusion…
Every well-seasoned musician once stood where you are now, but they never gave up.
Reading this article means you are serious about learning your new instrument, which in turn means that you are on the right track.
Now, give yourself a pat on the back for all the hard work you’ve put in till now, and get back to practicing!