We asked Mr Docherty, our guitar teacher, for some top tips and advice. He had some great ideas...

What advice do you have for someone starting to learn a new instrument? What do you wish someone had told you?

Learning an instrument isn’t as easy at looks, and sometimes things take longer than you think they will. It takes hard work and commitment, but the results are definitely worth it.

Do you have a top tip when practising feels hard stick at?

Sometimes it’s useful to know when to stop practising. If you’re stuck, try having a break and coming back to it later. Also bear in mind that if you’re finding something difficult, that’s a good sign. Practice is supposed to be difficult – if everything feels easy, you’re not pushing yourself enough. The only way we get better at something is by challenging ourselves.

Did you ever feel like giving up? What stopped you?

I think everyone feels like giving up at some stage. It’s important to remember why you started in the first place. Try listening back to the song that made you want to pay, listen to the artist who inspired you, go to a live concert, etc.

What does music mean to you? How has it benefited you?

Playing music has not only been a very fun and rewarding hobby, but has also brought lots of exciting career opportunities and has allowed me to play at some very exciting places!