6 Misconceptions About Learning to Play Music
Last Updated on 5 February, 2026
From teachers to students to studio owners and managers – if you’re in the music world, you’ve been exposed to misconceptions about learning music! We’ve come a long way in today’s information-based society, but despite the large number of music schools out there, many misconceptions about learning music are still going strong.
A love for music often begins at a young age and can continue throughout your entire life. Though your tastes may change, music plays an integral role in most people’s lives – and you may not even realize it!
Can a great song pull you out of a bad mood? Do you have a favorite workout playlist? Have you sat around a campfire singing songs? That’s the power of music!
So, for music lovers and music instructors alike, let’s put an end to these fallacies. We’re exposing popular misconceptions about learning music for what they are: myth and legend!
Not convinced yet? Keep reading to discover the most common misconceptions, and let us help to set the record straight:
6 Common myths about learning to play music
- MYTH #1: Natural talent is required.
- MYTH #2: There’s an age limit.
- MYTH #3: It’s too early to learn.
- MYTH #4: I’m not good enough to perform.
- MYTH #5: It’s too hard.
- MYTH #6 There’s not enough time.
- Bonus tip: Choose a software partner that helps support your students!
- ❓ Music Learning Misconceptions: FAQs ❓
MYTH #1: Natural talent is required.
Many people believe that without natural talent, music lessons are a waste of time. This is one of those misconceptions about learning music based on almost no facts whatsoever!
According to Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers: The Story of Success, “Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.”
Confused? The fact is that time trumps talent every time! While “natural talent” might offer a head start, it does not guarantee success. Hard work, dedication, and hours and hours of practice are the true formula for a great musician.
Look at it this way: even someone who starts off with a certain amount of talent can’t get by just on that. It’s not enough. So no matter what level you’re at when you start, practice makes perfect. Natural talent is not required; a love for music and the desire to learn are all you need!
MYTH #2: There’s an age limit.
One of the most common misconceptions about learning music is that you have to start early in life. Expressions like “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” certainly help to perpetuate that notion. The truth is, it’s never too late!
Are you a music instructor? We know that adult classes are filled with motivated, committed students! All you need to master is how to market to them to increase your client roster.
Want to learn music as an adult? It’s a myth that adults can’t learn; in fact, adult music classes have been known to enhance memory, spatial reasoning, and language skills. Wait, music can help adult cognitive function? Yes, sirree! Now that doesn’t sound like adults shouldn’t take music classes, does it? Definitely not. Another misconception about learning music: debunked!
MYTH #3: It’s too early to learn.
Funny enough, a conflicting misconception about learning music is that you can start too early. Many music schools insist that children under five years of age lack the subconscious understanding that learning music requires.
While this belief may be applied to formal lessons, banging pots and pans, clapping your hands, and singing in the car are all fine examples of how toddlers start to informally recognize and make their own music at a very early age.
Consider this: a group of kindergarten students was asked whether they could sing well. All of them raised their hands and were eager to brag about their skills. Three years later, those same kids were asked that question again, but this time, 20% fewer children claimed they were great singers.
Why does this matter? It means that the confidence and enthusiasm you have when you’re a child diminishes as you get older, so it’s important to start early (if you have the passion for it)! Thinking that an appreciation for music begins at a certain age is one of those misconceptions about learning music that ends here and now.
MYTH #4: I’m not good enough to perform.
This is a misconception about learning music that many people hold in their hearts, and the truth is that it should be a non-issue.
People often carry around a fear of performing, or what’s commonly called “stage fright.” Being nervous to perform is only natural; in fact, even famous performers like Beyoncé and Adele have admitted to suffering from this phobia.
Where does it come from? It can come from being a perfectionist (wanting every performance to be perfect) and waiting for something to go wrong. This can surely cause unease. Or, it could be that you feel under-prepared and are worried about making a mistake. Or, it could come from a number of other anxieties, but we look at it this way: why let anything ruin your love of music?
So it looks like you have a choice: to perform or not to perform.
If the fear of performing is holding you back from learning music, but it’s something you want to master, then go get ‘em! Practice like crazy, bring notes with you, make eye contact; there are a number of tricks you can employ.
Tips for getting over stage fright
Start with a small group and grow your audience as you get more comfortable. Maybe the idea of starting with a group lesson appeals to you. Or gather a few of your friends together to practice and perform in front of each other in a comfortable space.
It’s also important to note that learning music can also increase your social skills, possibly making performing in public an even easier feat as time goes on. Use whatever tricks it takes to get you to the stage. It is manageable if you’re motivated. You never know, you might decide that you love performing once you find your groove.
Now, after assuring you that stage fright can be beaten, maybe that’s just not your jam, and that’s okay, too! A love of music does not mean you have to get on stage. Rather, it’s just as fulfilling to focus on learning to play your favorite songs. It’s just as exciting to learn music for the sheer joy of it!
Just because performing on stage scares you doesn’t mean that music lessons aren’t for you! This is another one of those misconceptions about learning music that needs to go.
MYTH #5: It’s too hard.
No matter how old you are when your love for music grows, the notion that it takes hard work to progress is an accepted truth. Music is no different than anything else in life: if you want it, you need to work for it.
As it often does, the issue comes down to how badly you want it and how much you love music. If there’s a goal that’s important to you, hard work and discipline are required!
When it comes down to it, there’s a vast difference between learning music for the love of music and learning to play as a profession. The truth is that if you are learning music for the love of it, then you can do anything you set your mind to.
At the end of the day, is learning music hard work? Yes. But is it too hard? No. Myth: busted!
MYTH #6 There’s not enough time.
We live in a busy and fast-paced world! And though that can make us hesitant to add anything to our overly-packed schedules, don’t be fooled by this misconception about learning music. There’s always a way around!
How can you find that extra time in your day? Look for classes that work around your busy schedule. Go to a studio on your lunch break. Squeeze in extra practice sessions by giving up something that’s less important to you. Be honest with yourself, how much time are you spending per day on social media or watching TV? Can you spare an hour of that to practice music?
If you’re an instructor or school owner, consider this impediment something to solve!
Schedule lessons for adults while their kids are in lessons and poll your students to see what times work best for them. The more convenient you make your classes, the less this misconception can continue to hold weight.
Bonus tip: Choose a software partner that helps support your students!
Debunking these common misconceptions about learning music leads us to the obvious conclusion that a love for music conquers all. Stay focused, stay committed, and practice until you get to the level you’re seeking. Now that we’ve set the record straight, nothing’s stopping you from soaring to great musical heights!
If you’re a music school owner, you might encounter these misconceptions even more often than the rest of us, so help us spread the word! If you’re ready to bring new musicians into your community today, look no further. Book a free, no-commitment demo with WellnessLiving today to find out why our music school software is the perfect duet partner!
❓ Music Learning Misconceptions: FAQs ❓
Believing that only naturally gifted individuals can succeed creates unnecessary barriers. Music skills are developed through consistent practice, proper instruction, and goal-oriented learning. With encouragement and structured guidance, most students can make steady progress regardless of their starting point.
Struggling does not mean failure or lack of potential. It often reflects gaps in technique, pacing, or confidence, not inherent ability. Addressing challenges through targeted coaching and positive reinforcement helps students overcome obstacles and grow more confident over time.
Long practice sessions aren’t always necessary. What matters more is focused, consistent practice. Short, daily practice with clear objectives often leads to better progress than sporadic long sessions that lack purpose or structure.
Expecting perfect technique from the start can discourage learners. Early stages of music learning are about building fundamentals, exploring comfort zones, and developing awareness. Technique improves with repetition and mindful guidance, so students should focus on progress rather than perfection.
Seeing mistakes as failures can create fear and hinder growth. In reality, mistakes are learning opportunities that highlight what needs adjustment. Encouraging students to reflect on errors and try again fosters a growth mindset and builds resilience, which improves both learning and long-term retention.
