"Getting Stuck" in the Field of Music

GETTING STUCK: MUSIC

I'm writing today to address that moment where you sit and think to yourself  "I don't feel like I'm moving forward any more."  Whether you're an aspiring Broadway vocalist, Jazz pianist, or Drummer, there are moments where negativity replaces your drive in the pursuit of your musical goals.  

In finding that so many of my peers are experiencing the negative effects of "feeling stuck", I'm going to give you some remedies I've found to fix this terrible state of mind. 

1.Get Advice From Professionals. 
"If you don't know, you better ask someone." Finding inspiration through education is the key to thinking outside the box. 

My "go to" website for this information has always been 
Musicianswages.com.  This website hosts fantastic articles and game plans for income ideas, practice suggestions, and general career information.  I strongly recommend this site.  

Another great site for inspiration is Cdbaby's DIY Musician Podcast.

Another route is to ask professionals (in person) in your field how they got to where they are now.  Local Pros are all  usually very nice and are eager to share information. I would even suggest booking a lesson with them, even if they don't play your instrument.  Some of these people are right around the corner at...

2.The Local Jam Sessions
Yes.  Yes you can go and play at the jam sessions.  Just walk in the door and enjoy yourself.  Maybe even take one night not to play at all, but to hear the styles, the flow, and get a real taste of the atmosphere (and some of the expectations). 

The reasons I suggest the jam sessions: 

A: Music- Its fun, improvisational, and the most LIVE it'll ever be.  People are making decisions and working as a team IN REAL TIME to create a conversation.  Can't beat it. 

B: Networking- Many local professionals go to the jams to network... JUST LIKE YOU.  Don't "make contacts,"  make friends!  Finding "industry contacts" is intimidating, making friends is more fun.  Take some lessons.  Buy a round of beers and talk shop for a little while.  

C: Its a great idea for a date night. ;)-  A lot of these jams are held at brew pubs, night clubs, and lounges full of romantic ambiance and GREAT FOOD.  Be suave and invite a romantic interest to join you for an affordable and fun date night.  

A lot of my "classically trained" friends might argue that this experience might not help them expand, musically.  Hearing and seeing musical performances WILL help influence you as a composer or  musician.  Seeing how people react to salsa or Jive will also help you in learning these styles as musical languages.  

Being immersed in a creative musical situation helps inspire new personal musical ideas. Take advantage of every bit of expertise in these amazing places. Moreover, have a great time. :)

3.Relax, and Pull Yourself Up. 
Sometimes the bigger problem lies inside of our motivation.  Maybe its a dependency on substances, maybe its just lack of confidence.  Whatever the case may be, start making decisions FOR yourself 

EVEN IF YOU THINK ITS A BAD IDEA.  

To give an example: I have issues with anxiety.  If I don't manage my anxiety, it will persuade me not to perform or make personal connections.  Find what you should do to help yourself in these kinds of situations, not simply to avoid them. 

If the problems you have are too heavy to shoulder alone, get some help.  Mental health is important, you'd go to the doctor if you got a nasty stomach bug.  Right?  You MUST consider yourself the MVP in your situation and treat yourself with respect. FOR GODS SAKE DON'T GO TO WEBMD TO "DIAGNOSE" YOURSELF.  You'll leave the site thinking you have some alien infection or something.  

4.Get Involved:
Part of the feeling of "being stuck" is coupled with the feelings of loneliness.  Locking yourself away to better your skill is a good thing, but don't do it forever.  You (and your music) is meant to be shared from person to person. 

Here are some ideas that can help get you out of the house: 

A: Performing- book a gig with some locals, perform your heart out, and go make some friends.  

B: Teaching- teaching, to many many people, is the most rewarding part of music.  A lot of my best memories as a musician stem from my students and their education.  Teaching doesn't hurt your wallet either. 

C: Attend Concerts- just go listen. Be a fan!  Have a good time and enjoy the music! 

D: Do Music Related Activities- learn to dance! You're still working on rhythm and time with dance moves.  Like karate? Learn Brazilian Capoeira.  (Check out the link, I played with this group in Sao Paolo.)  Start a forum about Augmented 6th Chords and how to resolve them.  Write articles about music!  Do whatever makes you happy!  Call your friends and get moving! 

In conclusion, I hope that I've given you some direction and some motivation to do the things you love.  We all, passionate as we are, experience some form of depression every once in a while.  

Do yourself a service by getting plenty of rest (but not too much), eating right, staying hydrated, and getting out of the house for at least 30 minutes a day.  Your body will thank you and you'll feel more energized. 

Keep checking in for more inspiration, reviews, and spotlights.  Thanks for reading! 

-Adam D. Wolfe