Five Key Challenges for the Part-Time Musician…and How to Conquer Them
While there are many challenges associated with being a musician, there are some difficulties specific to those of us who have to – or choose to – “work a day job to support our playing addiction”. Let’s take a look at five of the biggest hurdles and some ways to overcome them on your music-making journey.
1. The day job
The Problem
Regardless of what it is you do for a living, your occupation consumes more of your productive hours than any other activity. Every job is physically or emotionally draining…and some are both. Let’s face it: after a tough day, it’s sometimes difficult to “force yourself” to sit down and practice, learn a new instrument/clef/technique/etc., or do anything but crash in the La-Z-Boy.
The Fix
Playing an instrument can be seen as a chore or a release. Try to think of time with your instrument as a way to unwind and invest in your personal talents rather than another task to complete between the time you get home and the time you get to bed. After all, you don’t work an instrument; you play it. And playing should be fun! 
2. Family responsibilities
The Problem
No matter how small or large, every family brings with it certain responsibilities. Dentist appointments, soccer practice, making dinner, mowing the lawn, buying groceries, changing the oil…it can be a bit overwhelming at times.
The Fix
Make a list and work it. You can’t possibly accomplish everything on your list in a single evening, but you can pick off a small chore or two each day. Doing this will keep your “to do” list manageable and reduce your stress immensely. Plan large projects for weekends or days off, tackle them with vigor, and don’t let them weigh you down mentally.
If other family members are musically-inclined, try to convert your “solo” musical efforts into a family event whenever possible. Few things are as fun or gratifying as sharing your gifts…especially with those you love.
3. Competing demands
The Problem
All of us have commitments outside of our job and family that we’ve accumulated over the years. Whether church activities or involvement with a community organization, we often feel compelled to serve in some way. Sometimes, these activities consume a disproportionate amount of your time.
The Fix
Don’t stop serving, but look for ways to serve better. Some years ago, I realized that I could do more for my church by being a part of the music than by attending committee meetings. I’m actually more involved now, but I’m enjoying it more, too. That’s a win/win in my book.
4. Money
The Problem
Doing anything takes money. Whether playing an instrument or playing golf, you’re going to end up spending some money to do it.
The Fix
Look for ways to minimize dollars spent and maximize the return on every investment. Find a good instrument at a good price (classified ads, ebay, local shops), don’t get caught up chasing gadgets/equipment, leverage instructional resources available at little or no cost…and when possible, invest in time with really a good instructor. These are all ways to spend less cash and get more out of each investment.
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5. Slow progress
The Problem
This may do more damage to early-stage PTMs than anything else. We all start (or resume) playing an instrument with dreams of someday playing Paganini, Rachmaninoff, or The Carnival of Venice. After weeks or months of effort, it sometimes seems we’ll never get there…and too many times, we seriously consider packing it in.
The Fix
Remember why you started, realize how far you’ve come, and break your efforts into goals, both large and small. This helps maintain the focus you need to get the full rewards you’re due.
What prompted you to pick up that instrument? Have you always longed to play the cello? Wanted to learn bass? Had an unquenchable desire to pick up the piccolo? Do you really think that if you quit now, the longing you’ve carried with you all these years will just vanish?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You may feel you’re inept on guitar, but how many chords have you already learned? How many strumming patterns? Can you tune your guitar? Could you before you began? When you think about it, you’ve come a long way already. Don’t give up!
It’s not likely a beginning (PTM) pianist will play a difficult concerto flawlessly after their first month…or within their first year. Setting realistic goals helps keep you from getting discouraged and yields more gratifying progress. Figure out how much time you can reasonably commit each day, then try to set goals based upon that effort. Perhaps you can work toward a low- to medium-difficulty student piece by the end of your first full year. That’s great! What if it took two years? Or five? It’s only a number…and as long as you’re working toward your goals and enjoying the journey, what does it matter? Won’t you still be a better person for your investment in yourself?
In Summary
Between the day job, family responsibilities, competing demands, money, and slow progress, it can be pretty tough at times for a Part-Time Musician to squeeze in the time to play. Don’t give up! Each of those challenges can be overcome, and it will only make you better in the process. Feel free to take the pointers we’ve shared here and tailor them to your situation, and if you’d like, drop us a line and share your thoughts! Did we miss anything? Something that has worked for you in your circumstances? Don’t be bashful!
All the best to you in your musical journey,
Mark
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Tags: challenges, conquer, five, fix, key, musician, part time musician, problem, PTM
General | Mark December 14, 2009 | 
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