The Benefits of Learning Multiple Instruments (For Kids, Teens & Adults - The Tempo Club, Coquitlam)

Many people- children, teens, and adults- wonder if they should explore more than one instrument and what instrument goes well with learning another.

At The Tempo Club, we teach a wide range of lessons:
piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, drums, saxophone, french horn and other brass, woodwinds, and music production.

And across every age group, we see big benefits when students explore multiple instruments over time.

Here’s why.

1. Different Instruments Build Different Skills

Every instrument strengthens unique abilities:

• Piano: coordination, music reading, theory

• Voice: ear training, breathing, musicality

• Guitar/Ukulele: rhythm, chords, multitasking

• Drums: timing, endurance, focus

• Brass/Woodwinds: breath control, tone shaping

• Music Production: creativity, technology, arranging

When you blend these skills, you become a stronger, more well-rounded musician and artist ready for anything.

2. You Progress Faster on All Instruments

Surprisingly, learning a second instrument often boosts your first one.

Examples:

• Drums improve guitarists’ rhythm

• Piano helps singers understand harmony

• Voice training helps horn players match pitch

• Ukulele improves finger dexterity for future guitar playing

• Music production teaches listening skills that improve everything

This “cross-training” effect works at every age and level.

3. Learning Multiple Instruments Keeps Motivation High

We all experience plateaus and this is a normal part of the learning process.

Trying a new instrument can:

• spark fresh excitement

• challenge the brain in new ways

• boost confidence

• prevent boredom

• rekindle love for music

Instead of quitting, students get re-inspired.

4. It Builds a Better Musical Brain

Exploring multiple instruments strengthens:

• memory

• rhythm

• coordination

• creativity

• ear training

• problem-solving

The more ways you experience music, the deeper your musical foundation becomes.

5. You Become More Independent as a Musician

When you understand music from different angles, you can:

• learn songs faster

• adapt to new styles

• figure out melodies on your own

• improvise more confidently

• collaborate with other musicians

This applies equally to children, teens, and adult learners.

6. More Opportunities to Play with Others

Knowing more than one instrument opens doors in:

• school bands

• community ensembles

• worship groups

• musical theatre

• jam sessions

• production studios

• songwriting collaborations

Adults especially enjoy having more ways to participate in local music communities.

7. It Makes Music More Fun

Playing different instruments brings fresh energy and creativity to your musical life.

You may even discover a hidden talent you didn’t know you had!

That’s all fun and great, Olivia, but how do I choose?

And what a great question.

The truth is: you don’t need to choose everything at once. Unlike studios with rigid, boxed-in programs, The Tempo Club is built on exploration. Our coaches actively encourage students to stay curious and, when interest sparks, we’re always happy to incorporate time in regular lessons to try out a new instrument. Music should feel like discovery, not pressure.

A great teacher will also include a well-rounded mix of ear training, theory, and musicianship in your lessons- most of the time without you even realizing it’s happening. For example, I ask all my instrumentalists to use their voices at some point. Even a little bit of singing has a profound impact on musical understanding, coordination, and progress. Many educators will tell you the same: when you connect your ears, your voice, and your instrument, everything suddenly clicks.

Ready to Try a New Instrument?

Whether you're curious about piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, drums, brass, woodwinds, or production, we’d love to help you explore.

Book a free intro lesson at The Tempo Club (Coquitlam, BC). Tell them Olivia sent you:)