Music should be enjoyable, but for me, playing my instrument has become a source of frustration and disappointment. Sometimes I make up my mind that it’s going to be okay but still I find myself resenting every note I play. If you’re in the same shoe, these 5 could be the problem:
Not Naturally Talented
One reason for my dislike is that I am not naturally talented at playing my instrument. Practicing and improving takes a lot of effort, and it can be discouraging when progress is slow or non-existent. Additionally, as someone who values perfectionism, it’s frustrating to make mistakes or not be able to achieve the level of skill that I desire.
Lack of Motivation
As the only person who plays at my church, I find another issue to be a lack of motivation. Playing an instrument can feel like a chore, especially when it’s something that has to be practiced every day for skills to improve and maintain dexterity. It’s hard to find the drive and inspiration to continue practicing when there’s no one else who shares the same passion.
Competition and Comparison
Another reason for my dislike of playing my instrument is the pressure of competition and comparison. As a musician, it’s easy to compare oneself to others and feel inadequate. This can lead to heightened stress and insecurity during performances or auditions. Additionally, being in a competitive environment can add pressure to constantly improve and be the best, which can take away from the enjoyment of playing.
Lack of Self-expression
Also, I find that playing my instrument does not allow for much self-expression or creativity. The strict structure and guidelines of music make it difficult to deviate from established techniques and compositions. This leaves little room for personal interpretation and can feel restrictive.
What Can I Do About Me Hating My Instrument?
The truth is that I initially, really, and truly enjoyed playing my instrument, and it may just be a phase I am going through. Here’s what I’m going to try:
Take a Break to Rejuvenate My Passion
It’s important to take breaks from practicing and performing to rejuvenate my passion for playing. You see, it’s easy to become burnt out or overwhelmed if I am constantly practicing and performing without taking breaks. Taking time off will allow me to come back refreshed and ready to tackle my instrument with renewed enthusiasm.
Find New Repertoire
Sometimes, our dislike for playing an instrument stems from boredom with the same old repertoire. It’s important to mix things up and find new music to play. This will help keep me engaged and interested in my instrument.
Seek Help From a Teacher or Mentor
It’s important to seek help from a teacher or mentor if I am struggling with my instrument. They can offer advice, guidance, and support to help improve my skills and reignite my passion for playing.
Remember Why I Started
When feeling discouraged, it’s important to remember why I first started playing my instrument. Was it a love for the sound? The desire to express myself creatively? Whatever the reason may be, reconnecting with these initial motivations can help reignite my love for playing.
Practice Mindfully and Set
I can also try experimenting with different styles of music and incorporating my own ideas into performances. Finding a balance between structure and self-expression may help reignite my love for playing.
Additionally, setting smaller, attainable practice goals can make the process feel less overwhelming and help improve my skills. This can also increase my confidence and enjoyment while playing.
Seek Support
It’s important to seek support from friends, family, and teachers in navigating these negative feelings toward my instrument. They can provide encouragement and constructive feedback to help me improve and possibly shift my perspective on the activity.
Final Thought on Why I Hate Playing My Instrument
Lastly, it’s important to remember that learning an instrument is a journey and there will be ups and downs along the way. It’s okay to take breaks as needed and come back to playing with a fresh mindset. Overall, finding ways to reignite my passion for playing my instrument can help turn my negative feelings into a positive and enjoyable experience.
It’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique relationship with their instrument and it’s okay to not always love playing it every single moment. It’s about finding ways to make the experience more fulfilling for myself and continue improving in my musical journey.