How to Fall in Love With Your Instrument Again
For when you’re in a rut in your life
-Watch YouTube videos of people playing your instrument. Often people will tell you to only listen to people better than you so you can imitate them, but listen to people of all ability levels. Find that beginning 10 year old’s rendition of Yankee Doodle. Find people that are at your level to see what they can accomplish. These people can teach you things too, and inspire you even if they aren’t super talented virtuosos, which can sometimes scare and depress me.
-Take your instrument out of its case and give it some TLC. Clean off your fingerprints, dust, give it a swab,etc. Admire how beautiful it is. Play it.
-Play a few pieces or warm-ups you know well and like. Enjoy yourself, and then move on to that piece you have to practice that you’ve been avoiding.
-Set goals for yourself. Set aside scheduled time in the day to devote to your instrument.
-Remember, sometimes taking it out of the case is the hardest part. If you can, leave it out on a stand in your room. You’ll be much more likely to pick it up. Put it somewhere obvious, where you know you’ll see it often.
-Listen to pieces that you enjoy that you would love to be able to play someday.
-Try composing some music, even if it isn’t a serious project.
