Having the desire to achieve a certain goal is half the battle, we should also have persistence, patience, and most of all, discipline. The same goes when you are learning to play a musical instrument; it's not enough that you have the desire to learn, it's also important that you are consistent. Here is a handy checklist of things to keep in mind as a beginning musician if you want to master your chosen instrument.

This Day in Music History: 1968 - Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her hits include "Angel" and "I Will Remember You."

For instrumentalists, their chosen musical instrument serves as their partner in becoming better musicians. Hence, they make sure that their musical instrument is of good quality and always in top condition. It's very important to take care of your instrument; know how to clean it properly, where to store it, when to have it checked, etc. Here are some tips on Taking Care of Your Piano, Taking Care of Your Violin and Taking Care of Your Flute.

This Day in Music History: 1575 - Queen Elizabeth 1 granted Thomas Tallis and William Byrd the right to print music and music paper. Cantiones sacrae, a collection of 34 motets, became their first publication which came out that same year.

Musicians face various types of injuries depending on the instrument they play. For example, string instrumentalists are prone to injuries on the back, shoulders and neck; wind instrumentalists are prone to ear, nose, throat, mouth, lips, neck, shoulder and arm injuries; percussionists often complain of back, shoulder, neck, hand, wrist, fingers and arm pain and tension. Find out the potential injuries a musician may face and how to avoid them.

This Day in Music History: 1676 - Francesco Cavalli died in Venice, Italy. He was one of the most influential Italian opera composers during the 17th century.

Music Education in the News: Gaylord Hotels has partnered with VH1 Save The Music Foundation through the Rooms for Good program. According to their press release, "Gaylord Hotels will donate 10 percent of proceeds raised through a special package rate available at all four Gaylord Hotels properties throughout January and February to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation." For more info visit the Rooms for Good page.

For older beginners, here are tips and advice on how to make practice time a regular part of your daily routine. Find out what to do before, during and after practice; how to make your practice area more comfortable; why it's okay to have fun and reward yourself, plus other practical advice.

This Day in Music History: 1899 - Francis Poulenc was born in Paris, France. He was one of the important French composers after World War 1 and member of "Les Six." His "Les biches" was commissioned by Diaghilev, the producer of the Ballet Rouse, under the recommendations of Stravinsky.