Thinking About Stopping Music Lessons?
Learning an instrument takes time.
In fact, it’s really just a game of time. The longer you’re involved in the process, the
more fun you’re going to have playing. But along the way, it’s totally common (almost expected) for interest to ebb and flow. It’s also common to feel overwhelmed with life - schedule, homework, sports, etc. At times you might feel a bit iffy about continuing lessons altogether.
We’ve been there. We get it.
But, of course, we’ve got strong feelings about how awesome it is to play music and how good you’re going to feel as you go through life being able to strum a guitar, plunk a tune on the piano and groove with a band on the drums.
So, if you’re thinking about quitting, here are some tips that just might get you to the other side :)
Tips for staying fresh in music lessons 😃
Stop playing and listen
Make sure you are listening to music. Instead of practicing, spend 15 minutes just listening with your instrument in hand. If you hear something you like, share it with your teacher. Music lessons are all about finding what you like about music and listening to music is going to totally inspire you!
Happy tune
Make sure you are learning a “show off” tune at all times. This is a tune that you can play easily for your friends and family - a tune that really makes you happy.
Stop practicing?!
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stop practicing. I know this sounds unproductive, but lessons are not about practicing!! They are about showing up and hanging out with your teacher. Practice (and I hate that word - let’s use the word “play”) will come. Take the stress, pressure, expectations that “practice” brings out of the equation until it feels right.
Shake things up
Sometimes we need to really shake things up. It might be time to switch teachers. It’s totally fine to do this. No one's feelings are gonna get hurt. This is all about you and your experience. Every teacher isn’t the right fit for every student.
New Groove
Lastly, maybe the instrument you're playing is really not your instrument. Maybe you’re taking piano but you’re really a drummer inside. Or guitarist. Maybe you’re taking violin, but piano is your jam. Switch! This is your ride and you can do whatever you want!
The point here is to do whatever you need to do to keep playing. Music learning is a long game and sooo worth it. Be patient, have fun and...