We live within a world of systems.
And when going through the ‘music system’, there are some fairly common steps along the way – to pass your grade exams, to get a degree or performance diploma and ultimately, to get a job in an orchestra or band, build up a portfolio career of freelance engagements, or perhaps a solo career.
There can be a great sense of achievement in gaining enough musical employment to make a living and pay the bills. But as with any walk of life, there is the risk that over time, music just becomes a ‘job’ – another Wednesday afternoon matinee on the same show you’ve been playing for years, or a performance in a rainy unglamorous venue with little audience and a lack of decent tea time eateries.
The more you feel that music is ‘just a job’, the less enjoyable it can become – and that way of thinking, even if its subconscious can start to wear you down physically – and lead to tension, fatigue and other playing problems.
However, sustaining a long and enjoyable career and addressing the daily demands of performing at a high level requires both a healthy attitude and body.
So if you ever feel that your music making is becoming more of a ‘job’ or ‘hard work’, rather than something which brings you joy, notice how your body feels – does making music regularly feel like hard work, a real effort or a struggle?
If it does, perhaps try reframing your ‘job’ or ‘work’ as being your ‘craft’ instead.
Focusing on practising your ‘craft’ can provide a subtle shift in emphasis to both thinking and meaning – becoming more about how to develop and explore your skills and artistry. Something that you really, really care about, like an artist’s watercolours, each created by hours of careful brush strokes, or a pâtissier constructing layer upon layer of beautifully crafted flavours, each pastry painstakingly built by hand.
And imagine how that watercolour would look, or that pastry would taste, with all of that dedication to craft…..and then perhaps think, how would I really feel about my ‘work’ if I started to dedicate a little bit more to my ‘craft’?
Not only would your performances sound wonderful to your audience, it may also bring new found meaning and enjoyment to your musical career.