Music and performing arts hobbies are great for those who love to entertain or express themselves creatively. Playing instruments like the guitar, piano, or violin provides an outlet for music lovers, while activities like dancing and acting are perfect for those who enjoy the stage. These hobbies are wonderful for developing new skills, improving self-confidence, and engaging with others in collaborative projects like bands or theatre groups. They can be done solo or in groups, making them versatile social or individual activities.
Best For:
Musicians, artists, performers, both introverts (who might prefer instruments) and extroverts (who enjoy being on stage), children, teenagers, and adults.
Difficulty & Cost:
- Easy to Difficult: Singing and karaoke are easy for beginners, while mastering the violin or becoming a professional dancer can be challenging.
- Budget-friendly to Pricey: Learning to sing is free, but buying instruments like pianos or joining dance classes can be expensive.
1. Playing Guitar
Playing the guitar involves using a variety of techniques to produce melodies, chords, and rhythms. It is one of the most popular musical instruments, offering versatility in genres such as rock, blues, jazz, and classical. Guitars can be acoustic, electric, or classical, each with a unique sound.
Best For: Music enthusiasts, teens, and adults of all ages. Suitable for those who enjoy solo or group performances.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice to develop finger strength and coordination.
Cost: Low to medium; beginner guitars are affordable, but high-quality electric guitars and accessories can be expensive.
2. Piano Playing
Piano playing involves using both hands to play a wide range of notes on a keyboard. It is a fundamental instrument in both classical and contemporary music, allowing players to perform solo pieces, accompany singers, or play in bands and orchestras.
Best For: All ages, from children to adults, and those interested in classical, jazz, or pop music.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; learning to read music and play with both hands takes time.
Cost: Medium to high; digital keyboards are more affordable, while traditional pianos are costly.
3. Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice. It can be done solo or in groups, across various genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and classical. Singing is an accessible hobby that does not require any instruments and can be enjoyed anywhere.
Best For: Anyone with a love for music, from children to adults, and suitable for those interested in solo or group performances.
Difficulty: Easy to medium; requires vocal training to develop pitch and control.
Cost: Low; minimal costs, though vocal lessons can be pricey.
4. Drumming
Drumming involves playing percussion instruments like the drum set, hand drums, or electronic drums. Drummers play a crucial role in maintaining the rhythm and tempo of a song.
Best For: Music enthusiasts, especially those interested in rock, jazz, and world music.
Difficulty: Medium; requires coordination and rhythmic skills.
Cost: Medium to high; drum sets can be expensive, but practice pads are affordable.
5. Violin Playing
Playing the violin involves using a bow to produce sound on strings. It is a prominent instrument in classical music, orchestras, and folk music. Mastering the violin requires precise finger placement and bowing technique.
Best For: Music students, classical music enthusiasts, and those interested in orchestral performance.
Difficulty: Hard; requires patience, practice, and good ear training.
Cost: Medium to high; beginner violins are affordable, but professional instruments are costly.
6. DJing
DJing is the art of mixing music tracks live, using turntables, mixers, and digital controllers. DJs can create unique soundscapes, blend songs, and keep crowds entertained at parties and clubs.
Best For: Music lovers, party enthusiasts, and those with an interest in electronic music.
Difficulty: Medium; requires understanding of beat matching and music production.
Cost: High; professional DJ equipment can be expensive.
7. Dancing (Various Styles)
Dancing is a form of expression using the body. It encompasses many styles such as hip-hop, ballet, salsa, ballroom, and contemporary. Each style requires different techniques, rhythms, and movements.
Best For: All ages, fitness enthusiasts, and those who love music and performance.
Difficulty: Easy to hard; depends on the style and level of training.
Cost: Low to medium; costs include dance classes and appropriate footwear.
8. Acting
Acting is the art of performing a role in theater, film, or television. It involves portraying characters, expressing emotions, and delivering lines in a convincing manner. It is a creative outlet that helps improve communication skills.
Best For: Drama enthusiasts, aspiring actors, and people interested in storytelling.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice, confidence, and memorization.
Cost: Low to medium; acting classes are affordable, though professional training can be expensive.
9. Stand-Up Comedy
Stand-up comedy involves performing humorous monologues in front of an audience. It requires quick wit, storytelling, and the ability to engage an audience with jokes and observations.
Best For: People with a good sense of humor, those who enjoy public speaking, and performers seeking an audience connection.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires timing, delivery, and improvisation skills.
Cost: Low; minimal equipment needed, but comedy classes can help.
10. Magic Tricks
Performing magic tricks involves entertaining an audience with illusions and sleight of hand. Magicians use props like cards, coins, and ropes to perform their tricks and leave audiences amazed.
Best For: Entertainers, kids, and anyone interested in performing arts.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice and skill in deception.
Cost: Low to medium; basic magic kits are affordable.
11. Beatboxing
Beatboxing is the art of creating rhythmic sounds and music using the mouth, lips, and voice. It mimics percussion instruments and can be performed solo or as part of a vocal ensemble.
Best For: Music lovers, hip-hop enthusiasts, and vocal performers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice to develop control and technique.
Cost: Low; no equipment needed, just practice.
12. Karaoke
Karaoke is a popular entertainment activity where individuals sing along to recorded music using a microphone, often with lyrics displayed on a screen. It’s a fun social activity enjoyed at parties and karaoke bars.
Best For: Social gatherings, families, and anyone who loves to sing.
Difficulty: Easy; no special skills required.
Cost: Low; home karaoke systems are affordable.
13. Songwriting
Songwriting involves creating original lyrics, melodies, and harmonies for songs. It is a creative process that can be deeply personal, allowing songwriters to express their thoughts and emotions through music.
Best For: Music enthusiasts, poets, and anyone with a passion for creative writing.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires musical knowledge and creativity.
Cost: Low; minimal equipment needed unless recording professionally.
14. Miming
Miming is a performance art where the actor uses gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to tell a story without words. It relies heavily on physical acting and exaggerated expressions.
Best For: Theater enthusiasts and performers who enjoy physical expression.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice in body control and expression.
Cost: Low; minimal equipment is needed.
15. Juggling
Juggling involves tossing and catching multiple objects, like balls or clubs, in a rhythmic pattern. It requires hand-eye coordination and is a popular skill in circus arts.
Best For: Circus performers, entertainers, and those interested in improving coordination.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice to master.
Cost: Low; juggling balls or clubs are affordable.
16. Circus Arts
Circus arts encompass a range of skills, including acrobatics, clowning, aerial arts, and tightrope walking. It’s a physically demanding performance art that requires extensive practice and training.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts, acrobats, and those interested in performing arts.
Difficulty: Hard; requires physical strength and agility.
Cost: Medium to high; specialized equipment may be needed.
17. Ballet
Ballet is a highly technical form of dance with a focus on precision, grace, and fluid movement. It’s performed to classical music and requires years of training to master.
Best For: Dance enthusiasts, fitness lovers, and those with an interest in classical performing arts.
Difficulty: Hard; requires extensive training and practice.
Cost: Medium to high; ballet shoes, costumes, and classes can be pricey.
18. Musical Theatre
Musical theatre combines singing, acting, and dancing to tell a story. It is performed on stage, featuring elaborate sets and costumes.
Best For: Drama enthusiasts, singers, and dancers.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires multiple skills.
Cost: Medium; costs may include classes and costumes.
19. Opera Singing
Opera singing is a classical form of singing characterized by powerful vocal performances. It involves singing complex compositions with dramatic expression.
Best For: Classical music enthusiasts and experienced singers.
Difficulty: Hard; requires vocal training and skill.
Cost: High; voice lessons and performances are costly.
20. Rapping
Rapping involves delivering rhythmic and rhyming speech, often set to a beat. It is a key element of hip-hop culture and allows performers to express their thoughts creatively.
Best For: Music lovers, poets, and hip-hop enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Medium; requires rhythm, timing, and lyricism.
Cost: Low to medium; no special equipment needed unless recording.
21. Playing Ukulele
The ukulele is a small, guitar-like instrument known for its bright, cheerful sound. It’s easy to learn and great for beginners who want to start playing music quickly.
Best For: Music enthusiasts, children, and beginners.
Difficulty: Easy; simple chords make it accessible to all ages.
Cost: Low; affordable ukuleles are widely available.
22. Playing Harmonica
The harmonica, or mouth organ, is a small wind instrument that produces sound when air is blown or drawn through its reeds. It’s used in genres like blues, folk, and rock.
Best For: Music lovers, especially those interested in blues and folk music.
Difficulty: Easy to medium; requires breath control and practice.
Cost: Low; harmonicas are inexpensive and portable.
23. Tap Dancing
Tap dancing is a form of dance characterized by rhythmic tapping sounds made with metal plates attached to the dancer’s shoes. It’s a lively and energetic style of dance.
Best For: Dance enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fun way to exercise.
Difficulty: Medium; requires coordination and rhythm.
Cost: Medium; tap shoes and classes are necessary.
24. Playing the Saxophone
The saxophone is a woodwind instrument commonly used in jazz, classical, and pop music. It has a rich, expressive sound and is popular for solo performances.
Best For: Jazz lovers, music students, and those interested in wind instruments.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires breath control and finger dexterity.
Cost: Medium to high; saxophones are relatively expensive.
25. Spoken Word Poetry
Spoken word poetry is a performance art where poets recite their work aloud, often emphasizing rhythm, emotion, and storytelling. It’s a powerful form of expression.
Best For: Poets, writers, and public speakers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires confidence and strong verbal skills.
Cost: Low; no equipment needed.
26. Learning Beat Production
Beat production involves creating music tracks using digital software and electronic instruments. Producers use various tools to create beats for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop.
Best For: Music enthusiasts, aspiring producers, and tech-savvy individuals.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires knowledge of music software and composition.
Cost: Medium to high; software and equipment can be expensive.
27. Playing the Banjo
The banjo is a stringed instrument associated with folk, bluegrass, and country music. It has a unique twangy sound that adds a distinct flair to musical pieces.
Best For: Folk music lovers and string instrument enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Medium; requires fingerpicking skills.
Cost: Medium; beginner banjos are affordable.
28. Learning Flamenco Guitar
Flamenco guitar playing is a distinctive style from Spain, characterized by its rhythmic fingerpicking and expressive melodies. It’s an essential element of flamenco dance and music.
Best For: Guitarists interested in world music and intricate playing techniques.
Difficulty: Hard; requires advanced fingerpicking and rhythmic skills.
Cost: Medium to high; flamenco guitars can be costly.
29. Hand Drumming (Djembe, Cajón, Bongos)
Hand drumming involves playing percussion instruments like the djembe, cajón, or bongos. It’s a communal activity often used in drum circles and world music performances.
Best For: Percussion enthusiasts and those who enjoy rhythm-based activities.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice to master different rhythms.
Cost: Low to medium; hand drums are generally affordable.
30. Improv Theatre
Improv theatre is a form of acting where performers create scenes and dialogue on the spot without a script. It’s a great way to boost creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork skills.
Best For: Aspiring actors, comedians, and anyone interested in performance arts.
Difficulty: Medium; requires creativity and adaptability.
Cost: Low; classes are affordable.
31. Playing the Accordion
The accordion is a portable, keyboard-based instrument played by compressing air through reeds. It’s popular in folk and traditional music across various cultures.
Best For: Music enthusiasts and those interested in folk and world music.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires coordination of both hands.
Cost: Medium to high; accordions can be pricey.
32. Body Percussion
Body percussion involves creating rhythms using the body as an instrument. It includes clapping, snapping, stomping, and patting to make music without any external instruments.
Best For: Musicians, dancers, and anyone interested in rhythm.
Difficulty: Easy to medium; accessible for beginners.
Cost: Low; no equipment needed.
33. Playing the Didgeridoo
The didgeridoo is a wind instrument originating from Indigenous Australians. It produces deep, resonant sounds and is used in traditional music and ceremonies.
Best For: World music enthusiasts and those interested in unique instruments.
Difficulty: Medium; requires breath control and circular breathing techniques.
Cost: Medium; didgeridoos can be affordable but high-quality ones are pricier.
34. Vocal Percussion
Vocal percussion involves using the voice to mimic the sounds of drums and percussion instruments, often incorporated in beatboxing and a cappella performances.
Best For: Singers, beatboxers, and vocal performers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice and vocal control.
Cost: Low; no special equipment needed.
35. Learning Bagpipes
Playing the bagpipes involves blowing air into a bag and pressing it to produce a continuous sound through the pipes. It is traditionally associated with Scottish and Irish music.
Best For: Music enthusiasts interested in folk and cultural music.
Difficulty: Hard; requires breath control and coordination.
Cost: High; quality bagpipes are expensive.
36. Performing Ventriloquism
Ventriloquism is a performance art where the ventriloquist speaks without moving their lips, creating the illusion that the voice is coming from a puppet or dummy.
Best For: Entertainers, comedians, and those interested in unique performance arts.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice and skill.
Cost: Low to medium; basic puppets are affordable.
37. Learning Steel Drums
Steel drums (or steel pans) are percussion instruments originating from Trinidad and Tobago. They produce a distinctive sound used in Caribbean music.
Best For: Percussion enthusiasts and world music lovers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires rhythm and practice.
Cost: Medium to high; steel drums can be expensive.
38. Playing the Ocarina
The ocarina is an ancient wind instrument with a sweet, flute-like sound. It’s compact and easy to play, making it popular in folk music and video game soundtracks.
Best For: Music lovers, beginners, and folk instrument enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Easy; simple to learn basic songs.
Cost: Low; ocarinas are inexpensive.
39. Performing Spoken Word Storytelling
Spoken word storytelling is an art form where performers tell engaging and often personal stories using their voice and gestures. It focuses on narrative and expression.
Best For: Public speakers, writers, and performers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires creativity and strong storytelling skills.
Cost: Low; no special equipment required.
40. Playing the Theremin
The theremin is an electronic instrument played without physical contact. It produces eerie sounds by detecting the movement of the player’s hands in relation to its antennae.
Best For: Experimental musicians and electronic music enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires control and precision.
Cost: Medium to high; theremins are specialized and relatively rare.
This expanded list adds a variety of music and performing arts hobbies, catering to different interests and skill levels, from traditional and cultural instruments to modern performance arts.
41. Learning Beatboxing with Instruments (Looping)
This involves beatboxing while simultaneously using loop pedals to create layered musical tracks. It combines vocal percussion with live instrumental looping, offering a unique performance style.
Best For: Musicians, beatboxers, and tech enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires practice in beatboxing and technology use.
Cost: Medium; basic loop pedals and mics can be affordable, but advanced setups can get pricey.
42. Performing Mime
Mime is a form of silent performance art where the actor conveys a story through body movements, facial expressions, and gestures, without speaking. It often involves exaggerated actions to communicate.
Best For: Aspiring actors, street performers, and those interested in non-verbal communication.
Difficulty: Medium; requires expressiveness and body control.
Cost: Low; minimal props or costumes needed.
43. Learning to Play the Harp
The harp is a stringed musical instrument known for its angelic, soothing sound. It is often associated with classical and Celtic music and requires precise finger placement and technique.
Best For: Classical music enthusiasts and those looking for a unique instrument.
Difficulty: Hard; mastering hand coordination and technique takes time.
Cost: High; harps can be expensive, especially full-sized ones.
44. Shadow Puppetry
Shadow puppetry is an ancient form of storytelling using puppets placed between a light source and a screen. The puppets’ shadows are cast onto the screen, creating visual narratives.
Best For: Storytellers, theater enthusiasts, and children’s entertainers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires practice in manipulating puppets and storytelling.
Cost: Low; materials for puppets and light sources are affordable.
45. Learning Bollywood Dance
Bollywood dance is a vibrant, energetic dance style that originates from Indian cinema. It blends classical Indian dance with modern dance forms, often featuring expressive movements and storytelling.
Best For: Dance lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and fans of Indian culture.
Difficulty: Medium; involves learning choreographed routines.
Cost: Low to medium; classes are generally affordable.
46. Practicing Slam Poetry
Slam poetry is a competitive form of spoken word poetry that combines performance, emotion, and poetic expression. It often explores personal and social themes, aiming to connect with the audience.
Best For: Poets, writers, and performers interested in social issues.
Difficulty: Medium; requires strong writing and performance skills.
Cost: Low; no special equipment needed.
47. Performing Fire Dancing
Fire dancing involves manipulating flaming objects, such as poi, staffs, or hoops, in a rhythmic and dance-like fashion. It’s a visually spectacular performance art popular in festivals and cultural events.
Best For: Thrill-seekers and festival performers.
Difficulty: Hard; requires practice, coordination, and safety training.
Cost: Medium to high; equipment and safety gear are essential.
48. Learning the Trombone
The trombone is a brass instrument known for its distinct slide mechanism, producing deep, rich tones. It’s widely used in jazz, classical, and marching band music.
Best For: Brass instrument enthusiasts, jazz lovers, and music students.
Difficulty: Medium to hard; requires breath control and slide technique.
Cost: Medium to high; quality trombones can be expensive.
49. Learning Samba Drumming
Samba drumming is a vibrant form of percussion music from Brazil, typically performed in large groups known as baterias. It’s rhythmic, energetic, and a key component of carnival celebrations.
Best For: Percussion lovers and those interested in Latin music.
Difficulty: Medium; requires rhythm and coordination.
Cost: Medium; drums and percussion instruments vary in price.
50. Performing Aerial Silk Acrobatics
Aerial silk is a performance art where artists climb, twist, and drop using long silk fabric suspended from the ceiling. It combines strength, flexibility, and grace.
Best For: Acrobats, dancers, and fitness enthusiasts.
Difficulty: Hard; requires physical strength and training.
Cost: High; classes and equipment can be expensive.
51. Learning Opera Directing
Opera directing involves planning and executing the visual and dramatic aspects of an opera performance, including staging, acting, and overall interpretation of the musical work.
Best For: Classical music lovers, directors, and those interested in theatrical arts.
Difficulty: Hard; requires experience and a deep understanding of opera.
Cost: High; production costs and education can be significant.
52. Learning to Play Marimba
The marimba is a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone, producing deep, resonant tones. It is played with mallets and is used in classical, jazz, and world music.
Best For: Percussionists and music students interested in unique instruments.
Difficulty: Medium; requires coordination and mallet control.
Cost: Medium to high; marimbas are specialized instruments.
53. Practicing Contact Juggling
Contact juggling is a skill where the performer manipulates a ball in a way that makes it appear to glide smoothly over the body, creating a mesmerizing visual effect.
Best For: Jugglers, magicians, and street performers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires hand-eye coordination and practice.
Cost: Low; beginner juggling balls are affordable.
54. Learning Irish Step Dancing
Irish step dancing is a traditional dance form characterized by its rapid leg and foot movements while the body and arms remain mostly stationary.
Best For: Dance enthusiasts and those interested in Irish culture.
Difficulty: Medium; requires precise footwork and timing.
Cost: Medium; classes and special shoes are needed.
55. Learning Audio Mixing and Mastering
This involves adjusting and fine-tuning recorded audio tracks to achieve a polished, professional sound. It’s a key skill in music production and audio engineering.
Best For: Aspiring music producers and sound engineers.
Difficulty: Hard; requires technical knowledge and software skills.
Cost: Medium to high; professional software and equipment can be pricey.
56. Playing the Kalimba
The kalimba, or thumb piano, is a traditional African instrument played by plucking metal tines with the thumbs. It produces a gentle, melodic sound.
Best For: Music lovers, beginners, and those interested in world instruments.
Difficulty: Easy to medium; simple to learn basic tunes.
Cost: Low; kalimbas are affordable.
57. Learning Mime with Music (Silent Storytelling)
This combines mime techniques with musical accompaniment to tell a story without dialogue, using only gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
Best For: Aspiring performers, actors, and storytellers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires expressiveness and timing with music.
Cost: Low; minimal equipment required.
58. Practicing Handbell Choir Playing
Handbell choirs involve groups of musicians playing tuned bells, each responsible for different notes. The ensemble creates harmonious music with precise coordination.
Best For: Music enthusiasts and community group performers.
Difficulty: Medium; requires timing and coordination.
Cost: Medium; handbells can be expensive.
59. Learning Folk Dance
Folk dance encompasses a variety of traditional dances from different cultures, often performed during festivals and community gatherings. It emphasizes cultural heritage and storytelling.
Best For: Dance lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and community members.
Difficulty: Easy to medium; depends on the dance style.
Cost: Low; no special equipment needed.
60. Playing the Theremin with Effects Pedals This involves playing the theremin, an electronic instrument, and using effects pedals to alter its sound, creating unique audio effects and experimental music.
Best For: Electronic music enthusiasts and experimental performers.
Difficulty: Hard; requires control and knowledge of sound effects.
Cost: High; theremins and effects pedals are specialized equipment.
