Hi everyone

What do you think of my situation?

Initially, I started playing the piano so that I can feel good about myself. As in, I derive my self-esteem and identity from being a musician.

As time passes, something magical happen - I no longer have to depend on my ability to play the piano to feel good about myself. Since playing the piano no longer contributes to my self-esteem, I thought that I will play the piano purely for leisure and as a hobby. However, playing the piano is no longer fun for me. It doesn't even serve the role of a pasttime for me now.

So now, my question is this: do you think it is "usual" for one to lose interest in a hobby (a 8 year hobby at that and I have even started preparing the repertoire for LTCL exams next year)? Should I just stop practising altogether and get on with my life and pursue my other interests e.g. picking up spanish language, learning computing-related stuff? It seem as if I am forsaking my beloved and being unappreciative of what the piano has done for me?

It's not that I abhor music or making music. If I could, I would dearly love to learn the indian instrument, sitar. Geez! I am confused and unsure what I should do. Folks, please advise!

Maybe you need to take a break from the piano, and just play pieces you enjoy for a while, and then go back to the prepartion for the LTCL.

I agree. I don't think you should continue with something which you are finding a chore. There's no fun in that, and instrumental playing should be fun.

maybe take a bit of a break, as has been suggested..then if you want to go back to it later, that will still be an option, and if you dont then fair enough.
but don't let music stop you doing other things that you want to do, because then you will hate it for stopping you

I go through that sometimes, I take a break (like everyone has said). Play some tunes that you enjoy and maybe there's a song you always wanted to play but never got around to it, try and get the sheet music and have a go.

I know where youre coming from strepito. I endured 4 years at music college not really enjoying the way it was making me feel about playing, and since coming out I much more enjoy just playing for myself and family, rather than to make a grade and "beat" another person in a repertoire exam, or play that Mozart opening movement AGAIN.
I also lost interest for the piano after reaching Grade 8 and found it a massive chore being made to practise by a well meaning parent! However, as I never had the opportunity to play/practise the piano at college, I am really wanting to get my own piano and start playing again! I have even bought myself some new music SHOCK HORROR!!

Give yourself a break, get some easier but fun music -maybe some 'pop' or whatever non-classical music you like that maybe you can sing along to whilst playing - and then get back into the LTCL prep gradually.
FT x

I'd say have a break, relax and enjoy learning other pursuits. On the music side, think about having a spell of playing music you enjoy purely for pleasure -this could be in very different styles from what you've been doing for your diploma. It sounds like you need some new and fresh material and styles . Are there any evening or college courses you could do that would get you playing with other musicians-perhaps jazz, music from other countries-above all play music you want to play, rather than music you think you 'ought' to play. You can always come back to the diploma study when you feel refreshed.

Try a differenct instrument - for fun - and maybe you won't have to give up the music.

And remember, just because you're capable of the LTCL, doesn't mean you HAVE to do it. If you want to learn some easier stuff, some jazzy or popular stuff, or just whatever piques your fancy, you have the ability to play an awful lot of music. At that level if you hear something and like it, chances are you have a chance of being able to play it. Fantastic! What a position to be in. So play music that you want to play (because that can include anything from easy right up to a very high level) and ignore preparation for more exams till such a time as you may decide you want to. But unless you suddenly decide to become a pro, you don't ever have to.

thank you, folks, for all your replies.

nicki_flute: yes, the pieces that I would like to play are right at the top of my mind

nannyjay: yes, after some thinking, I was thinking "if I really hate playing the piano, just stop doing it!"

crazy cow: I am struck by your words "but don't let music stop you doing other things that you want to do, because then you will hate it for stopping you". I thought about whether music is stopping me from picking up spanish, etc and decided that even if it does, I really don't mind. Cos you see, I really do want to practise, it's just that I lost my interest in it. And I don't how to regain that interest! (reminds me of married couples whose love for each other falter over time)

noodelz: yes, I do have the sheet music that I would love to play and perform: poulenc "story of the little elephant, babar"!

FT: I am curious, FT. Since you graduated with a music degree and have lost interest in flute, what do you do then? Perhaps, you have already regained your love for practising flute?

jpiano: I agree with your point of "ought-to-play-music". Maybe that's my problem. too many "shoulds", "oughts" in my life.

Marktheharp: maybe I can do harp? haha. learning another instrument will have to wait, considering the cost of a new one!

sarah-flute: Thanks, Sarah. Your words are very encouraging. it's like ... chicken soup for my soul! Being influenced by your advice, I have decided not to take any exams until I feel like it.

awww.... *blush*! I'm glad! I think you have done incredibly well to get to where you have got to in really quite a short time... it'd be such a shame if the exam machine ended up running you over instead of encouraging you... so go, enjoy!

Good luck with whatever you do. I like how Sarah's words are chicken soup for your soul, it made me smile!

...a harp is only like a piano except at right-angles! Dead easy really, and impossible to make it sound bad unless you fall over it (yes, I've done that!!). Maybe you could find someone with some spare instruments and have a go on some - see what chooses you!

me too!

Oh the harp is so nice and easy to make a nice sound on - it's harder than piano though... well in some respects at least! or maybe that's just me...