Quote:
Originally Posted by j4k8  i feel like im never gonna get better
i feel like it doesnt matter anymore
i dont wanna sound emo or anything....
im just at that musician fork in the road
where you either quit or lose your heart in it
maybe i try to impress them too much....
and not myself?
well if you read this thanks
and if you've had this problem help me out!! |
j4k8,
why did you start trumpet in the first place? Try and remember what motivated you to even get started.
What have you learned about music, people and life in general since you started playing?
What goals have you set for yourself musically, personally, in the groups that you are involved in?
The biggest problem that I run into when teaching, is the students desire for immediate pleasure. With computer games, I can download a cheat, with homework, I have many options to get through with a minimal amount of effort. THAT impatience can take over ones life and it leads to nothing productive - just a view of a world that must present things in easy to understand, easy to digest tidbits. The entire sales industry is pointed towards buy ever more ever faster.
So let's tie these two paragraphs together!
True satisfaction only occurs when you have earned something. I am 100% sure that your playing is something to be proud of, even if you still have a way to go! Earning anything needs a game plan. For the trumpet, that means short, medium and long term goals. To reach those goals, you need a routine and some friendly guidance. As much as we have many TMers looking for self help shortcuts, the support that you get from a good teacher cannot be replaced with anything else. A kind word during hard times, a fresh, independent look at ones own achievements, goals and strengths REQUIRES this type of intimate contact.
Music is a gift. One works hard and the end product brings joy to those around us. Even beginners derive great pleasure by playing simple tunes to the parents and grandparents! As one advances, the audiences become more discerning and that is generally additional fuel to keep moving. Occasionally, we overstep our bounds and depression can set in. At that point, the question is not whether to continue, but rather to refocus on what we CAN do and where that would best fit in. Find that repertory and the audience for it. Deal with one issue at a time. A good teacher is your best friend in times like this.
Giving up is also an option. I consider that RUNNING AWAY from the problem. That is a VERY BAD HABIT to get into and unfortunately there are too many examples of people that wimp out.
If you do not want to post everything publicly, feel free to PM me. I need your age, approx. level of playing and an idea of what kind of groups you play with. No strings attached!