[MusicTlk] Questions regarding learning music

[Terri Stimmel]

Hello everyone,


I hope you all are doing well. I just have some questions regarding 
learning how to play music.


I have been attempting to learn how to play both the ukulele, and piano 
for about a year and a half now. I love them both, and I can't really 
decide which one I like more.


However, learning to play either instrument has been rather slow-going 
for me. I will admit that finding time to practice either instrument, 
has been difficult. Along with going to college, and other life demands, 
I have also had some health struggles.


However, things seem to be improving. An, I am working on making time to 
practice. I just had to find a way to put it into my busy schedule.


So my first question is this.

When attempting to learn a new cord, on something such as a ukulele, or 
a guitar, what are some ways for me to get used to trying to make the 
shapes of the cords?

I don't think I have small hands, maybe, medium-sized hands. But, my 
music instructor told me after watching my hands on the strings, that my 
hands don't seem to stretch much. They said it is as though my hands are 
tight. My fingers don't seem to spread out as much as they likely should.

Could this cause me to have issues with playing certain cords?


Also, when I try to play a G major, or a G Major7, my hands always feel 
odd. As though I just can't quite make that cord, and keep it in place, 
if I do. Sometimes, a string will get muted. I am trying to get much 
better at making sure I am playing with my fingertips, and not put my 
fingers flat onto the strings.


Has anyone else ever had any experience with this?

If so, what were some things that you found helpful?


Another thing I was wondering is, how do you all go about learning, and 
memorizing cords for songs you want to play?

Do you just try and learn it all by ear?

Or, do you use Braille music?

Is Braille music something someone could easily learn?

I really have no experience with Braille music. I am a Braille reader. 
And, I have seen some Braille music before. But this was several years 
ago, when I was in middle school. I just remember thinking that it 
seemed strange.


I am open to trying to learn it though, if it might help me do much 
better with learning to play music.


Also, if you don't have much musical talent, or understand much about 
musical theory, how might you work on changing this?

I took a music appreciation class, last semester, while in college. I 
loved it. And, I learned to appreciate classical music more.


Learning by ear can work for me. And, when I have my music lessons, I do 
record them. This way, I can go back and listen, and try to learn the 
cords, and notes this way.


But, I also want a much better understanding of music theory, and such 
things as that.


For those of you who love learning, making, and playing music, but maybe 
wasn't all that musically talented, what did you do?


Any help, or suggestions would be very much appreciated.


Thank you,


Terri