Hi,
I've been singing karaoke contests for 4 years and I've been very successful in it..but I have never tried playing an instrument, learning to read music or write my own songs. Once and a while I do write my own lyrics, but it bugs me how I can't read music or play anything to expand on it.

This summer I'm deciding to purchase an instrument and then get vocal/songwriting & instrumental lessons. I'm very serious about singing and I would love to make my own album and then expand further on it. Some people have reccommended joining a choir, but I HATE IT, I'm not sure why but I guess I'm so used to karaoke that I like singing on my own or with one other person only. Plus, the singing in a choir seems very different then to the way I sing, everyone seems to sing with an "ooo" sound haha I'm not too sure how to explain it..

Anyway, I need advice with what instrument to use..what would be the best for songwriting and singing? I was thinking about a piano or guitar, if so what type? I have a keyboard, would that work well with writing songs? I'm starting this all from scratch, therefore I would like it to be a beginners instrument. I'm almost 15 years old by the way and I mostly sing Pop/R&B/Adult alternative, and I'm planning on performing around my city after I get the hang of writing my own songs and singing them. The people that inspire me to sing are Kelly Clarkson, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Vanessa Carlton, Michelle Branch, Alicia Keys and more. One more thing, if I was to learn both the piano and guitar, approximately how many years do you think it would take for me to play well enough to perform? Is there a common time limit to playing these instruments until your very good?

Thanks!
-Cassandra.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ca33,

I think guitar is easier to learn than the piano. It takes a long time to get very good at the guitar, but you can learn to play a few chords and strum a large number of pop songs after only a few lessons. It takes a little longer to get to that point on the piano.

I think joining a choir is a good idea, too. You hate it because you don't have experience with it, but once you get experience I think you'd see the value in it. And you'd make new friends who share your interest! It would be a good way to get real training while also getting to know other musically-inclined people who can guide you in the right direction.

Thanks for your reply I'll think twice about the choir..hmm..thanks for the info about how a guitar is easier to learn.

Anyone else?

quote:

Originally posted by Ca33:
Thanks for your reply I'll think twice about the choir..hmm..thanks for the info about how a guitar is easier to learn.

Anyone else?

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Hi Ca33:

If you only intend to play the current pop tunes of the day,or rock& roll, or country, guitar is the easiest way to go because you'll only be able to play in 3 or 4 different keys.

If however you are serious about becoming a musician ,who can also be able to play jazz or classical music as well,guitar is by far the more difficult instrument of the two to master.

Playing chord melody takes years to master on guitar ,but if you only intend to learn how to strum a few chords to sing to ,then guitar is the way to go.

Having played professionally for over 40 years on drums,vibraphone,piano ,organ and now guitar,I think I know whereof I speak.

But,do this,talk to as many piano players and guitarists as you can before you make your decision.

You're young enough to take up either instrument,but I wouldn't suggest that you take up both at the same time.

Piano and guitar are too dissimilar and would only confuse you.So pick one or the other for now.

Good luck.

hippolips

I wanted to add my two cents for other people who may be reading this topic...

If you want to be a professional singer, songwriter, or musician, I highly recommend school choir. There are amazing school music teachers out there who give excellent instruction, and you'll learn basics that will carry you for the rest of your career.

By singing in school choir, you'll also learn two very important tools for singing that will save you a lot of studio dollars later: harmony, and blending. Blending is an art, and many lead singers can't do it. Those who do it well save a lot of money on extra musicians.

Private vocal coaching is expensive, and frankly there are so many bad ones out there, it's becoming a bit of an industry joke. Start with learning the basics for free, at school. Later, you'll be glad for any free training you got!

Good luck!

Excellent advice, MBA, and welcome to the 'pool!

All off the above is valuable. At first pick an instrument that you enjoy and won't stop practicing on. Keyboard training is valuable as you'll have a nice understanding of chords,voicings and technique. You can apply this to other instruments.

Choir is absolutely a great vocal and ear training ground, no matter how tenuous or boring it may be.
Ooooo's and ahhh's and the like in harmony are evident from the dawn of recorded music, and naturally before. They are not only enhancement to any lead vocal above that but wonderful ear training for lead vocal or harmony singers.

From my 40 years of experience, thinking back - the most important thing as a learner would be to get together with other like-minded people if possible. Even if just for a while to share/trade information and motivate each other.
This can also direct you to what your true musical calling may be.

Good luck