New Year, New Me? How to Start Your Music Journey in a Stress-Free Way

Just recently, I heard a podcast host say, ‘Every January brings you 365 blank pages waiting to be filled. This is an opportunity to work on yourself and to become the better version of yourself.’

While this is theoretically true, the pressure of New Year's resolutions, endless lists of goals and wishes, and complex strategies for tackling the entire upcoming year—all often displayed on social media—might be daunting to some.

This is especially true for those who have long dreamed of trying something new—like creating music, for instance—or who have yearned to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Seeing articles on how this is your only time to start, coupled with the perception that others around you have put all their ducks in a row and are already chasing their dreams, might leave you feeling like you’re already behind. It’s as if starting now is mandatory, and waiting might mean you’ll never have another chance. This raises two important topics: the magic of timing and the importance of excluding competition from your journey.

Now, don’t get us wrong—by no means are we trying to preach or pretend we’ve mastered our way around the ‘New Year, new me’ craze. We just feel that pressuring yourself into starting fresh now—just because it’s January—might rob you of the perfect opportunity to do it at your own pace, on your own terms, and, most importantly, with genuine joy. And giving up on something you want to do just because the perceived competition with others feels too intense is the absolute worst.

Take music, for example—creating something is a beautiful thing, and there’s no rule that says you have to start in January. You can begin whenever it feels right for you. If now doesn’t feel like the right time, trust that your moment will come, whether it’s this month, next year, or anytime in between.

If, however, you are ready to start your music journey now, we’ve put together a list of quick, simple tips to help you get rid of some of the noise and take the first steps in a (relatively) stress-free way. Let’s dive in!

While competition in the music industry can be fierce, creating art is not about competing. Whether you’re diving into music or exploring something new, it’s a journey of growth that requires patience, practice, and continuous learning.

Remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Even the biggest stars once began from scratch, having to learn the skills and techniques that brought them to where they are today. And if we may say—no, talent alone is not everything. Some people may be naturally gifted, but without hard work and practice, their talent will come to nothing.

Though it’s easier said than done, letting go of comparisons and focusing on your own unique progress can be incredibly freeing. How you feel about your learning process matters far more than measuring yourself against others. Each person’s journey is different—for a good reason.

So, don’t rush yourself. Take your time, determine the pace that feels right for you, and work on learning things and honing your skills. We believe that, in the long run, this approach will take you further than you’ve ever imagined.

When starting something you’re passionate about, writing down your goals is often a go-to advice. While this can be helpful, we believe there’s something even more powerful and reliable in the long run: knowing your "why."

In an ideal world, setting a goal would seamlessly lead to achieving it. Unfortunately, reality often tells a different story. You might get stuck in the learning process, discouraged by your setbacks, overwhelmed by the competition, or simply lose motivation along the way.

That’s why, every journey—whether it’s creating music or pursuing another passion—has to start with a purpose that will serve as the driving force behind your efforts, the reason you started, and the argument for moving forward and making progress.

Being confident in your why might help you maintain consistency in your journey and make it easier to persevere, even in the hardest of times. Writing down your why allows you to revisit your reasons whenever you need a reminder of their importance.

A small tip from us: Be clear and specific when identifying your why. While liking music is a valid, general reason to start producing music, it may not be strong enough to make your journey long-lived. Refine your why(s) so that they reflect your dreams, emotions, and aspirations and thus create a deeper foundation for your music journey.

Regardless of your ultimate ambitions, investing in some gear—whether it’s as basic as a DAW (digital audio workstation) or more advanced equipment—is an essential part of your music journey and learning process.

To make this step less daunting, plan your investments ahead of time so that when the moment feels right, you are financially prepared and ready to purchase what you need. It’s not uncommon to feel hesitation and uncertainty when taking a significant step, especially in a new activity, hobby, or potential career path. Fear of failure or self-doubt may tempt you to postpone buying an instrument or a piece of equipment. After all, there may always be seemingly more urgent expenses that you can use as your excuse to back out.

By deliberately setting aside money for the gear you plan to purchase, you may remove a common barrier. Having funds dedicated specifically to your music investments can help create a sense of commitment. It may feel easier to follow through with the purchase when you know the money is already allocated and not needed elsewhere. Such an approach not only helps you get the tools you need but also strengthens your dedication to your journey.

Here’s a little tip: With so many options available, choosing the right gear might feel overwhelming. Online resources might be incredibly helpful in these situations. For instance, on MusicRadar, you can explore other users’ reviews on a wide variety of equipment, from guitars to plugins and even laptops. On Equipboard offers in-depth guides, expert reviews, and top tips as well! An important factor to consider is the compatibility of any new gear with your existing setup. If you already own equipment such as a computer, laptop, or MacBook, make sure that your prospective purchase is compatible before making a decision.

When starting your music journey, it’s easy to focus primarily on gaining theoretical knowledge, learning about chords, scales, and techniques, or familiarizing yourself with specific musical instruments or equipment.

However, one thing you should not forget about during the process of learning is to continue to listen to and explore music. After all, a musician’s passion and desire to create art is often sparked by the work of other artists, and continuously reconnecting with this source of inspiration can be incredibly fulfilling and energizing.

Dedicate your time to enjoying the music you love and artists you admire, as well as discovering new styles or genres that can broaden your creative horizons and help expose you to new ideas. You can also attend concerts, music events, or open mic nights to get inspired and ignite your creativity.

As we’ve mentioned before, motivation is unpredictable and fleeting. You cannot depend on it—one day, it’s here; the next day, it’s nowhere to be found. Consistency, however, is far more reliable, though it demands time and effort to make it an active part of your daily life.

A great way to build this foundation is by developing a practice routine that works for you. This process will require patience and experimentation. You may need to try different approaches and strategies, whether that concerns how often you practice, the time of day, the structure of your learning sessions, etc. Eventually, you will settle into a routine that feels natural and right to you—at least for the time being. Remember, as humans, we go through changes and different seasons in life, so it’s perfectly fine to adapt your routine over time.

An effective routine is crucial for establishing consistency in your music journey. While scientific studies vary on how long it takes to form a habit, the most recent research suggests it takes approximately 2 months—more precisely, 66 days—for a new behavior to turn automatic. From there, turning that behavior into a lasting habit can then take anywhere between 18 and 254 days, depending on the individual, their behaviors, and the circumstances.

Generally speaking, the longer you stick with your routine, the more effortless it will become, slowly incorporating itself into your life. Over time, this consistency will likely have a positive impact on your progress, making your music journey more rewarding and successful.

Starting your music journey from scratch can feel overwhelming and intimidating, regardless of whether you’re ready to take the next step. You may be unsure where to begin or wonder if taking the step is even the right decision.

There’s no better place to find answers to your questions than existing communities of artists who share tips, advice, and invaluable insights based on their personal experiences.

Take time to explore music-dedicated forums or digital communities that feel safe and resonate with you. You can browse relevant questions, ask your own, or simply observe other people’s discussions—all of which can deepen your understanding and enhance your confidence.

Additionally, explore resources like YouTube channels or Instagram and TikTok accounts that publish educational content designed for beginners and music enthusiasts.

By participating in these communities, you’ll not only expand your knowledge and become more confident but also become a member of a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can inspire and motivate you along the way.