Playing the piano
When I was a child I played the piano because my parents said I should. Practice was a chore I avoided, if I could. Until, as teenager I was given one particular piece. It was a moody, mornful angry piece. And the first piece I enjoyed playing. I'm sure it's because it expressed feelings I couldn't express.
I moved away from home and stopped playing because I had no piano.
I met my partner who gave me a piano and I started playing again. The type of music expanded a bit. I was ok with my partner hearing me play. I can't say I liked them listening, but I could ignore it.
Then we hit a rocky patch. I started to only play the piece of my teenage years. I got help. I learnt to share my feelings. I'm feeling a bit more stable.
I don't play the piano. I'm curious why I'm not playing. Because I shared the feelings? Maybe but I'm not convinced. There's still plenty of feelings, just different ones.
I'm afraid someone might hear me playing. Why does that matter? I don't know. Does it even matter that I'm not playing? I don't know. But it is curious.
If I did play, what would I be playing for? Because people say I'm good and it would be a waste not to do something with that? Do I want to play for other people? Clearly not.
If you play, what motivates you to play?
@Clio9876
i only played piano briefly and loved it but couldn't keep up so i'm giving this a bump!
Hi! I play piano too, and it does often feel like a chore sometimes. Especially when I don’t like the music I’m playing. What really motivates me to play is that music saved my life. And I want to play for others and myself so that they can see that it really does save people. I’m going through a really rough patch right now. And playing is becoming harder. But if I play that one song that makes me so happy I remember why I play.
i think it’s good to take breaks if your feeling uncomfortable with playing and people hearing you. Especially if that’s not why you play. And if piano didn’t save you and you don’t think that it’s positively impacting you then, maybe you don’t need to play again. Only if it feels like part of you is missing without it. Or if you feel lost without it. Personally I think music should be a way to express yourself, and if you need that expression but pianos not working, I bet there are thousands of expressive things you could try! Maybe another instrument, or maybe art like drawing and painting. Anything that you love and you feel a deep connection too! I hope this helps! And good luck! I believe in you!
Just like you, my parents signed me up for piano lessons when I was younger.. amongst other extracurricular activities.. I played until I reached my senior years in high school, as studies got too busy, I stopped practicing (luckily, by then, my piano teacher was my cousin)..
I have the same piano at home from when I first learned to play.. Nowadays, I only play it when there's no one in the house.. which isn't often, because since COVID, my brother works from home, and only needs to go into the office twice a week.. When I first picked it back up a few months ago, I played a song that I still have muscle memory from.. So, while looking at the music sheets, I often lose my place as I remember bits here and there. I also only started playing because I was going through a tough time with grief. I tried playing some classical songs too, as I heard classical songs can help with mood.
I also don't like to play when there's people at home with me.. But, I won't mind if my music can be heard outside of my house, as my piano is located near the front door of my house, I sometimes even purposely open a slit in a window. Otherwise, I play the same song over and over again, for 30-45 mins.. By the end of my session, I would've played the piece more smoothly and with less to no mistakes.. Then, I'll have a sense of satisfaction.
So, play it for your own good. Audience or not, see it as a bonus.
@Clio9876
