can any musicians (particularly mentally ill ones lol) help pls
so yeh I have major issues with musical burnout, usually at the beginning-to-mid stages of summer when I’ve finished exams/recitals etc.. This is happens to me most years and though I know it’s important to take a break if you need it, I never seem to know how to recover from it?
The issue lies in the fact that I started music pretty late, like I’m studying it at uni but I only started learning the violin like 5ish years ago, and I only seriously transitioned to the viola this year after going to university this year. So basically I have a lot of catching up to do technically, and after the seasonal burnout I never really feel like there’s any particular skill with the viola that’s worth me returning to, much as I love playing it.
Although I progressed quickly, I have a terrible relationship with practice (and just like, general academic work lol) due to a hella lot of anxious procrastination, which I really need to work around. I’ve enrolled on a solo performance module for this coming year, and unless I can start a decent practice regime now, I’m worried I’m absolutely screwed lel
So basically, does anyone have any tips on overcoming burnout, and how to ease yourself back into practice? Particularly if you’re an anxious procrastinator/performer? I need to try to plan a decent practice regime, but I just don’t know where to start. Should I start doing just a little bit a day (like I only did 30 mins this eve lol) and build it up as I go? What’s a good amount of time to spend on scales/technique/studies/pieces per day for a uni/conservatoire(lol) level performer? I just need some guidance, because although I love music more than anything, I don’t know how to practice it in a healthy constructive way, I don’t think I’ve ever known. Thanks in advance for your help xo
