When things go stale...

What are we talking about here, Zi? Going off a piece of music currently being learned (i), going, off a piece that can be played well but now fed up with it(ii) or going off playing an instrument altogether (iii)?

(i) Lets assume the piece being learned is liked but practice isn't getting anywhere. With piano I find that choice of fingering is often to blame so I sit at the piano with the score and work out a better fingering. It almost becomes an intellectual challenge which often rekindles interest. Slow practice striving not to play a wrong note helps too.

(ii) Let the piece go as it can be revised at a later stage with less work.


(iii) Is this because we feel we aren't getting anywhere or not the best use of our time? I can hardly contemplate the latter since trying to play is so beneficial for wellbeing. But if the former and we really do like music that we can make ourselves it comes down to perseverance, the fact that learning to play is a long term goal. Learning any instrument can be a lonely occupation so communications with like minded people is important. One reason that I suggested learning something that can be recorded and merged with a recorded accompanist part.

In my opinion creativity does not say adieu but whilst we are still active it might transfer from one form to another.

Is it worth considering renaming the forum in terms of people who make music and do other crafts? Would then need another section adding.

My vote would be to keep the forum open. Yes there are other places but agree about the discussions.

I also vote for staying open. And I think the Hobbies board sounds interesting - look forward to reading it!