Whether you’re playing a musical instrument for the first time or trying out an unfamiliar sport, it takes time to learn a new skill.

With a good teacher or coach, however, you may be able to learn the skill in a fraction of the time it would take you to teach it to yourself.

If you want to learn to play the piano, for example, private lessons from an accomplished pianist are one option. But you could also teach yourself by using videos or computer software.

The famous Austrian composer and pianist Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was performing in public by the age of 6. His talents, however, were extremely rare. It takes most people years to learn to play the piano well.

That’s why it’s wise for a neophyte (see definition below) to make practice sessions as enjoyable as possible. That way, practice will be fun, and the time will pass quickly!

Speak your mind: What do you think is the best way for a neophyte to master a new skill?

NEOPHYTE: A beginner, novice, someone who is new to a particular skill, subject or belief.