Few people realise this, but I grew up playing instruments.

From the age of eight until sixteen, I played the violin and then went on to play the guitar and dabbled a little on the keyboard. I still do dabble, that is. Although I do not class myself as a magnificent musician by any means. I can read music, write and sing songs.

In fact, I like nothing better than coming up with a tune, writing lyrics and I adore singing. I used to sing in a choir and played and sung in a couple of bands.

I realise now that my musical background has helped me in many ways. From discovering creativity to collaborating with others and other skills in between.

Here are a few lessons playing an instrument has taught me have helped me in my life and business:

Discipline

Regular practice requires discipline. There were many times I felt like packing in violin lessons, especially while my friends were out playing after school, but my mother kept me accountable by checking that I kept up my daily practice. I didn’t appreciate it back then, but I’m so glad she did.

It helped to build character and perseverance. In a way, it made me who I am today.

Practice

Practising regularly helps you improve and fine tune your strengths. It enables you to make progress and prepares you for big things to come. Back when I was a kid, it prepared me for playing in orchestras, which in a way has prepared me for life.

Practice gives you a chance to be better, to do better, and be that better version of yourself that you dream about.

While others think the door has closed on an opportunity, practice gives you a chance of a second shot. Another go. Practice brings opportunities that would otherwise may have been lost. Practice brings hope.

Working with others

I used to kid myself in thinking I could do it all. Create the tune, write the lyrics, compose the music, play the instruments, sing and be the front person. While to a certain extent I could do a lot myself. It’s much easier when you work with others and not to mention more fun.

Working with others involves bouncing ideas off each other, trying out new things, challenging how each other player and getting along.

These team playing skills are necessary today in business and in everyday life. After all, we’re not meant to be alone. We each have a role and a part to play that eventually brings everything together.

Routine

Practising music involves following a set routine. As with most things in life. You get out what you put in. Create a routine that supports and not hinder your outcome. Music has taught me how to develop this in a way that takes minimum effort but has maximum impact. The path of least resistance makes the goal clear and accessible.

Timing

Timing is everything. In music you have to keep to the rhythm. All instruments have to connect and move to a regular beat, to develop a good quality sound that synchronises with each other. This coordination would be lost without timing. And so it is in life. Good time management is essential for good productivity. As in music, as in life and also in business.

Listening

Listening is one of the most important skills a person can have. Musically, I had to make sure the instruments sounded good and listening to other musicians was also necessary to put on a concert or create a piece of work. Listening helps you connect with others, develop understanding, and build rapport authentically.

Persistence

Playing instruments has taught me to keep going, not to give up. This persistence has enabled me to keep going in business and has helped me to get back up when life hasn’t been kind.

Determination

Having determination and a little tenacity is essential. There were many times when I didn’t feel like practising or rehearsing, but sheer determination gave me the gumption to see it through. Determination is part of being successful in all walks of life.

Being in tune

Instruments have to sound in tune to be beautiful and so does being in tune with yourself. Fine tuning those areas in your life that are not quite up to par can make all the difference. Striving for excellence creates a standard that reinforces trust, credibility, and integrity sets you apart from the crowd.

Patience

Getting things right doesn’t always happen the first time. Sometimes it takes several tries to get it right. This takes patience and enables you to persevere. Having patience shows you care and makes the ride all worthwhile.

Passion

Music has helped me develop a fire within me that pours out into my projects. When you let it fill you and overflow, there’s no stopping you. It sparks all my passion projects today and keeps me connected to my bigger vision.

Creativity

I love how you can start with nothing, then form a couple of notes, then a few and so forth, and then, before you know it, have created a piece of music that is in your ears close to a masterpiece. It’s the same for all creative projects. Even in my writing today, a blank page can be the most exciting thing or the most fearful. You get to choose.

Looking back, I’m so glad I continued to practise and play instruments. It has shaped me into the person I am today in an enjoyable and fun way. Life doesn’t have to be all work. Although I may not have realised it at the time, sometimes a little ‘play’ can go a long way.

If you’d like a hand in fine tuning the skills, I mentioned in this article. Book a free call with me here and let’s get your passion project off to a flying start.

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