#musicalinstruments — Public Fediverse posts

This is a Ruckers moa 17th-century keyboard instrument

https://piefed.social/c/forumlibre@jlai.lu/p/2313152/this-is-a-ruckers-moa-17th-century-keyboard-instrument

This is a Ruckers mother-and-child virginal—a 17th-century keyboard instrument with a second, smaller instrument built into it, tuned an octave higher. The “child” could be pulled out to play duets or set on top of the “mother” to add a jangly, buzzing color to the main sound—a Renaissance-era layering trick, centuries before mixing desks. Antwerp instrument makers were doing this in the 1600s.
@BrianRoemmele #globalmuseum #museums #musicalinstruments

@MrBerard @north
Also the Tunerly app. No idea if its on Google's Play Store, but it installs fine via #obtanium

https://github.com/brianhorn/Tunerly

#music #instruments #musicalInstruments #tuning #FOSS #openSource

How to Enjoy Practicing Again

Every musician experiences seasons when practice feels exciting—and seasons when it feels like a chore. Losing motivation doesn’t mean you’ve lost your passion. More often, it means your routine needs a fresh approach.

As a music instructor and mentor, I’ve seen students rediscover their love for music after making a few intentional changes. The goal isn’t simply to practice more—it’s to practice in a way that keeps you engaged, challenged, and inspired.

Here are a few practical ways to make practice enjoyable again.

1. Remember Why You Started

Think back to what first inspired you to learn music. Was it a song that moved you, a musician you admired, or the joy of making music?

Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your passion.

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Trying to master everything at once can become overwhelming.

Instead, focus on one objective at a time: learn a new chord progression, master a difficult passage, improve your rhythm, memorize one verse of a song.

Small victories build momentum and keep you motivated.

3. Add Variety to Your Practice

Avoid doing the same routine every day.

Mix your sessions by including: technique exercises, ear training, sight-reading, improvisation, learning a favourite song, playing or singing with backing tracks or other musicians.

Variety keeps practice fresh and enjoyable.

4. Celebrate Progress

Don’t focus only on how far you still have to go. Take time to appreciate how much you’ve already improved.

Record yourself occasionally and compare your progress over time. Growth is often easier to hear when you look back.

5. Practice with Others

Music is meant to be shared. Join a choir, play or sing in a band, rehearse with friends, or participate in group lessons. Making music with others often renews enthusiasm and builds confidence.

6. Create a Consistent Routine

You don’t need to practice for hours every day.

Even 20–30 minutes of focused practice can produce remarkable progress when done consistently. A sustainable routine is far more effective than occasional marathon sessions.

7. Be Patient with Yourself

Some days will feel productive, while others may not. That’s part of learning.

Don’t let one difficult practice session discourage you. Progress is measured over weeks and months, not by a single day.

Conclusion

The joy of music isn’t found only in reaching your goals—it’s found in the journey of becoming better with every practice session.

When you practice with purpose, curiosity, and consistency, the routine becomes more than an obligation. It becomes an opportunity to grow, create, and discover new possibilities.

Fall in love with the process, and the results will follow.

Reflection

What one change could you make this week that would make your practice sessions more enjoyable and more meaningful?

“The musicians who enjoy the journey are the ones who stay long enough to discover how far their dedication can take them. Learn to love the process, and excellence will become a natural result.” — Victor Adenola

The Perfect Instrument to Start With

One of the first questions aspiring musicians and parents ask is, “Which instrument is the best to start with?”

The answer may be surprising: there is no single perfect instrument—only the right instrument for the right learner.

As a music instructor and mentor, I’ve taught students who began with the piano, guitar, drums, violin, saxophone, and voice. I’ve discovered that success depends less on the instrument itself and more on the learner’s interest, commitment, and quality of instruction.

The best instrument is one that inspires you to keep learning.

1. Start with Your Interest

Passion is a powerful motivator.

If you enjoy the sound of the violin, you’ll be more excited to practice it. If you’re fascinated by the drums or inspired by the piano, let that interest guide your decision.

Learning becomes more enjoyable when you genuinely love the instrument.

2. Consider Your Goals

Ask yourself these questions;

• Do you want to play in a church band or orchestra?
• Do you dream of becoming a music producer?
• Would you like to accompany yourself while singing?
• Are you preparing for music examinations or a professional career?

Your goals can help determine the most suitable starting point.

3. The Piano Is an Excellent Foundation

If you’re unsure where to begin, the piano is one of the best instruments to start with.

It helps you understand: Music Theory, Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Ear training, and Sight-reading.

Many professional musicians who play other instruments first developed their musical foundation through the piano.

4. Every Instrument Develops Unique Skills

Each instrument offers something valuable:

• Piano builds a strong overall musical foundation.
• Voice develops musicianship and expressive communication.
• Guitar is versatile and ideal for accompaniment and songwriting.
• Drums strengthen rhythm, timing, and coordination.
• Violin develops precision, listening skills, and musical sensitivity.
• Saxophone enhances breath control, tone production, and musical expression.

There is no “superior” instrument—each contributes to your growth in different ways.

5. Choose Commitment Over Convenience

The instrument you choose is only the beginning.

Progress comes through consistent practice, quality instruction, patience, discipline, and willingness to learn from mistakes

A committed learner will often achieve more than someone with a better instrument but little dedication.

Conclusion

The perfect instrument is not simply the one that looks impressive or is most popular. It is the one that aligns with your passion, supports your goals, and motivates you to keep growing.

Don’t spend months searching for the “perfect” instrument while delaying your musical journey. Start where you are, learn with intention, and allow your skills to grow one lesson at a time.

The instrument may begin your journey—but your dedication will determine where it leads.

Reflection

If you could begin learning any instrument today without fear or limitation, which one would you choose, and what first step can you take this week?

“The perfect instrument is not the one you admire from a distance, but the one you are willing to learn with patience, discipline, and consistency.” — Victor Adenola

"Musical Bodies is the first major exhibition to explore the relationship between musical instruments and the body by bringing together some 130 instruments, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more to illuminate how we express who we are, what we value, and what we believe."

https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/musical-bodies

#music #MusicalBodies #exhibition #art #MusicalInstruments #METMuseum

Does Fender Own the Stratocaster Design? Inside a Legal Feud Dividing the Global Guitar Business

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.billboard.com/pro/does-fender-own-stratocaster-guitar-design-legal-fight/

🎼 A touch of musical history to start the day.
This is a lirone and here's what it sounds like.

Emilia Benjamin introduces this rare instrument, also known as Heaven’s Hoover.
#Music #musicalinstruments #musichistory #history #globalmuseum

TIL one of the most famous musical instrument companies primarily runs on open source software out of pure spite

https://anarchist.nexus/c/til/p/825253/til-one-of-the-most-famous-musical-instrument-companies-primarily-runs-on-open-source

VT Digger: At Vermont’s Estey Organ Museum, many donations total $10. Then came one so big, it paid off the mortgage.. “Volunteers at this town’s Estey Organ Museum are used to a symphony of sounds at the former home of the world’s largest manufacturer of pump and pipe instruments….But everybody went silent when peers at the local historical society, having recently banked several […]

Zhinit: How To Train a Generative Kick Drum Model on Your Old Linux Desktop With 6GB of VRAM. “This article goes through how I trained and deployed a generative latent diffusion kick drum model from scratch on more than 13,000 kick drums from my personal sample library on a local Linux machine with a 7-year-old NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER (6GB of VRAM).”

New on my #blog: https://aspi.blog/2026/07/10/iyers-insipid-india/
A look at what has been happening to the Indian men's #cricket team in a series of #T20Is in first #Ireland and then #England plus a #photo gallery that is effectively a highlights package of the last month or so since I returned from holiday.
#IrelandvIndia #IREvIND #EnglandvIndia #ENGvIND #photography #birds #insects #bees #butterflies #damselflies #demoiselles #CinnabarMoth #RedAdmiral #EuropeanPeacock #PaintedLady #Comma #CaviesAndCake #NorfolkSymphonyOrchestra #RelaxedConcert #MusicalInstruments

He can't reach the top half of the bass though, it's just for show

https://loudwire.com/zz-top-explain-17-string-bass-video/

#LiveMusic #ZZTop #MusicalInstruments

At first glance, this violino looks more like a sculpture than a musical instrument.
Its oversized, amoeba-like body was designed to maximize resonance while remaining fully playable. Though innovative, unconventional instrument designs like this have often struggled to gain acceptance despite their potential to improve performance, comfort, and accessibility.
📣 See "Musical Bodies" on view at The Met through September 27 #globalmuseum #musicalinstruments #museums #music

While we are on a music kick, lets listen to what ancient Persia sounded like around 1400 BC?
Sarah Parsaei performs on the Arjan harp — a historic instrument with roots going back nearly 3,400 years — in Tehran, Iran.
#globalmuseum #music #Persian #musicalinstruments #history

The US Army Issued Ocarinas to Soldiers in World War II

https://www.flutetunes.com/articles/my-flute-goes-to-war/

#HackerNews #USArmy #Ocarinas #WorldWarII #MilitaryHistory #MusicalInstruments #HistoryBuffs

Traditional folk craft: Making suona (traditional Chinese wind instrument). 🪈 It is used both to express joy and to express sorrow. #globalmuseum #music #musicalinstruments #China

#teamrecorder Sarah's review of the #Sigo #BassRecorder:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ9EQLaR_dQ I'm ever so slightly tempted by this, but may be holding out for the sub-bass if they do one (haven't watched to the end yet, maybe she does mention it). Seeing that she introduces the sigo line as a continuation of the Paetzolds, I am hopeful ... #recorders #musicalInstruments

@NanoRaptor
Oy, music-stodon. Can one / several of you get on this?

#music #song #band #pop #PopRock #PopMusic #nerd #nerds #dorks #melody #rhythm #instruments #MusicalInstruments #synth #synths #synthesizer #synthesizers