[ad_1]
Many of IU’s students are musicians and like me, they love playing instruments. But one thing I sometimes encounter is a rut that makes me feel like I’m not making any progress in my playing ability.
Whether it’s piano or bass, there are weeks when you can’t focus on practicing and improving. I also know others struggle with this as it is a common problem for many musicians.
What I’ve learned, especially since returning to school, is that there are opportunities to overcome these ruts.
watch video
One of the first things that helps me is watching some bass playing videos. I don’t know what it’s like to see other people playing mean bass lines, but it motivates me to play my own bass.
This works for all instruments. If you have a hard time practicing piano, watch piano videos. If you have no desire to play the drums at all, you may find some inspiration on the internet when you see someone getting into drumming.
relax
Another tip that can help you get out of this rut ​​is to calm your mind. Take a walk around campus to enjoy nature, stroll through Dunwoods to relax and watch giant squirrels hanging out.
I know it’s winter and the weather is pretty bad and everything is either muddy or wet. But when the temperature gets a little higher, I recommend going for a walk. Being in nature helps calm the mind and spark inspiration.
Fresh air is never a bad thing. No natural light, no outside sounds. Get out of your apartment or dorm room and enjoy the outdoors.
talk to friends
Whenever I feel stuck in a rut and lack motivation, a conversation with a friend can help. The great thing is that the conversation doesn’t even have to be about music.
It can also be a constructive conversation to vent about being in a rut or struggling. Communicating this stress will make you feel better and give you the opportunity to listen to your friends. Advice is always helpful.
listen to music
Finally, it helps to hear stories from all-time greats and favorite players. Sometimes I listen to Victor Wooten and Jaco Pastorius, sometimes I play Thundercat and Les Claypool in the car. Just hearing them in my zone, just knowing their story, fires up my stomach and drives me to want to improve my bass playing.
The next time you find yourself in a rut, watch people play your instrument, enjoy the outdoors, chill out, talk to friends, and listen to your favorite players. Follow these tips to get out of that rut and hone your skills as a musician.
Nick Moser (he/he) is a 4th year student majoring in English with minors in Political Science and Film Production.
[ad_2]
Source link
