Practice Slump

[johnjohn320]

For those of you who don't know, I'm a pianist, it's what life is for me, it's why I wake up in the morning. It's my job, my social life, my one and only real passion. I sit on that bench for several hours every day.

At least I used to. I've hit a slump. For about the past four weeks, I can't seem to get the energy, the dedication to practice that much. 90% of the time I do spend at the keyboard lately, it seems, is spent on stuff that I have to learn, whether it be broadway musicals for the theatre companies I work for, accompaniment parts for the soloists I accompany, basically it's like the only things I've practiced for several weeks are for my job. So, my classical studies (what I take lessons for, what my passion is, what I have always dedicated my time to) have been suffering drastically. And it couldn't come at a worse time, I have to make a tape soon to audition for Indiana University Piano Academy, which I would attend this summer, if I were to make it. The repitoire I've been preparing for this tape simply isn't ready yet, and my deadline is March 15. Everyone, my piano teacher, my parents, my friends, have all noticed that my music is suffering lately.

Today was better, I'll admit that. I got in about 2 hours on my classical studies. But my problem is, lately I come home from school, and I just don't have enough energy or motivation to do anything besides homework, and then lay on the couch. I'm ALWAYS tired. I have my mother's insomnia, so I can't sleep at night, and I know that has something to do with it, but I've always had that, and it hasn't caused this general feeling of exhaustion this much in the past.

My piano teacher (former college professor of piano, lady knows what she's talking about ) thinks it's because I'm "spreading myself out too thin", she thinks I need to accept less gigs, drop at least one theatre company, etc. But, I really don't think this is what's causing my problem. I have the time to practice my music, I just don't have the energy or motivation.

Like I said, today was better, but I'm worried that tomorrow will be back to the routine of of 'laziness' and non-practice. If that's the case, I need help, and I don't where to turn. The only thing that means anything my life seems to have abandoned me.

edit to re-word something...

 

[gopunk]

i hit a slump like that once, after 9 years of playing piano... haven't played since

 

[AreaCode707]

The motivation and the energy are tied up with the work you're doing. This is one of the reasons (the other being money) that my dad quit playing professionally. He just didn't have the inclination to play because he loved it anymore. He does now, in another job with no pressure. I'd follow your piano teacher's advice, cut back and see what happens. Good luck. Sometime when it's not too much work, post recordings!

 

[VirusDub]

Do take your teacher's advice. As you said, you spend most of your time playing literature for gigs. You might still have enough time for classical playing, but it could be that praciting Broadway stuff is taking away from the overall plessure you derive from playing the piano. The same thing happens to me around winter time, when gigs and auditions are in full swing. Spend more time playing the things you enjoy. It can only help.

 

[pyonir]

depression is another thing that gives indications like you stated. no motivation, insomnia, "laziness" are all tell tale signs of depression. might just be you feel like you are in a slump. maybe it is time to just take a day off and go out and have a little fun. if you live where there is snow, go sledding for a day, skiing, or if you are in a warm area, take a trip to a place you never have been before, go hiking. i don't know. just trying to help! good luck and keep your head up man!

 

[johnjohn320]

Well, the problem with taking a day off is that I already do that too often. That's my problem. On weekends, I sit on my ass instead of practicing. Well, I'm gonna do my homework, and then see how practicing sounds. I'll come back here and post whether or not I was successful at getting two good days in a row.

 

[johnjohn320]

Well, tonight was decent. I practiced a little over an hour. *shrug*

Now if I can keep it up...and increase that time some more....then I'll be back to normal.

 

[Static911]

I'm sure you will get out of it...heck, its your passion as you said.

For us, our play-yourself-piano never gets in a slump. With a touch of a button, boom, the piano begins to play

Static911