12 Instrumental Ideas to Bring a Little More Music Into Your Life
Playing a musical instrument is one of life's great pleasures, so why not bring your love of music to the fore ... inside and out
Anyone who didn’t have the chance to learn a musical instrument as a child usually wishes they had, and anyone who was lucky enough to learn one usually wishes they had more time to play it now that they’re an adult. It’s never too late to learn an instrument though, and, as for those who can already play, why not make it a priority to do so more often? It won’t take long before you’re back up to speed. These ideas will have you filling the house – and garden – with feelgood song every day of the week.
2. Design an inspiring garden feature
The owners of this home are musicians who wanted to add a little whimsy to their backyard. It’s sure to be a magnet for people with instruments to gather and make music day and night.
The owners of this home are musicians who wanted to add a little whimsy to their backyard. It’s sure to be a magnet for people with instruments to gather and make music day and night.
3. Set the scene
This painting by Steve Penley is the perfect backdrop for some rockin’ good times making music.
This painting by Steve Penley is the perfect backdrop for some rockin’ good times making music.
Or how about jazzing up a blank wall with a saxophone-wielding musician? This Peter Panov painting transports you directly to a jazz club in New Orleans.
4. Treat your instrument as art
A well-made instrument is a thing of beauty so why not put it on display? Cellos, in particular, can double as stunning works of art.
A well-made instrument is a thing of beauty so why not put it on display? Cellos, in particular, can double as stunning works of art.
5. Give the piano a room of its own
What an idea to aspire to: an accoustically fabulous room surrounded by windows for that grand piano you’ve always wanted. Imagine the melodies that would drift into the rest of the house whenever someone sat down here to flutter their fingers over the keys.
What an idea to aspire to: an accoustically fabulous room surrounded by windows for that grand piano you’ve always wanted. Imagine the melodies that would drift into the rest of the house whenever someone sat down here to flutter their fingers over the keys.
6. Make instruments accessible
Guitars aren’t much good to you closed up in their cases and stashed in an attic (like mine is). A purpose-built cupboard will keep the dust away, and you’ll be reaching for one to play far more often when they’re this easy to access. Store knick-knacks such as picks and sheet music where they’re easy to grab.
Guitars aren’t much good to you closed up in their cases and stashed in an attic (like mine is). A purpose-built cupboard will keep the dust away, and you’ll be reaching for one to play far more often when they’re this easy to access. Store knick-knacks such as picks and sheet music where they’re easy to grab.
7. Foster your children’s love of music
If your teen gets pleasure out of playing an instrument, nurture his or her budding talent with a room that’s all about music. An electric guitar stand by the door is just the thing to encourage regular practise.
If your teen gets pleasure out of playing an instrument, nurture his or her budding talent with a room that’s all about music. An electric guitar stand by the door is just the thing to encourage regular practise.
8. Submerge yourself in song
The only thing that could make this swimming pool any better is an underwater sound system playing your favourite artists. And maybe a cocktail or two.
The only thing that could make this swimming pool any better is an underwater sound system playing your favourite artists. And maybe a cocktail or two.
9. Set the scene for mindfulness
Who wouldn’t love to settle down here with a guitar to strum while singing a tune or two? Soulful or upbeat, play whatever it is that suits your mood.
Who wouldn’t love to settle down here with a guitar to strum while singing a tune or two? Soulful or upbeat, play whatever it is that suits your mood.
10. Soundproof a room to perfect your talents
There aren’t many of us that can perform Mozart well without a little rehearsal; this room can be sealed off for practise sessions or the doors can slide back to reveal a stage when it’s time to strut your stuff.
There aren’t many of us that can perform Mozart well without a little rehearsal; this room can be sealed off for practise sessions or the doors can slide back to reveal a stage when it’s time to strut your stuff.
11. Compose a chart-topper
Combining your love of music with the technology now available to write and record music could be the ticket to the riches you’ve been waiting for. Failing that, a room like this will at least allow you to immerse yourself in music and have some serious fun while you’re at it.
Combining your love of music with the technology now available to write and record music could be the ticket to the riches you’ve been waiting for. Failing that, a room like this will at least allow you to immerse yourself in music and have some serious fun while you’re at it.
12. Squeeze a piano into a small space
You don’t need a grand piano to make beautiful music. Set into the shelving of a home office, this piano is sure to get your creative ideas flowing in between bursts of work at the desk.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you wish you had more time to play music? What’s your instrument of choice? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
You don’t need a grand piano to make beautiful music. Set into the shelving of a home office, this piano is sure to get your creative ideas flowing in between bursts of work at the desk.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you wish you had more time to play music? What’s your instrument of choice? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Making music with friends or your kids is a fun-filled way to hang out, so a corner that invites anyone passing by to sit down and play is sure to encourage impromptu jam sessions. A playful pink chair at the piano will prevent anyone from taking themselves too seriously.