Hey Beehaw!
I’m a burned out academic leaving the field. I’d like to learn something new as a means of recovery and healing from the trauma of this intense field. So, what should I learn? What do you recommend and where could I start?
That’s it. That’s my ask. Any and all recommendations welcome.
Have you considered a musical instrument?
I have not. No. Recommendations for the musically un-initiated?
Spend some time paying attention to the sounds that different instruments make. Remember which ones you like.
Borrow, rent, or buy one. (Preferably not a terrible one; the cheapest model of any given instrument is often not worth the frustrations it can cause.)
Maybe get a teacher, or maybe follow some online lessons, or maybe take a class, or maybe just experiment on your own for a while.
Make sounds. Maybe with other people. See what you come up with. It can be solitary or social, scientific or artistic, studious or playful.
If you eventually feel you’ve hit a plateau and want to continue improving, consider learning some music theory and technique.
It’s a deep and wide subject.