Building Confidence as a Freshman Violinist: A Journey of Growth and Authenticity

As a freshman violinist in university, it's common to feel like you're at the bottom of the heap when you compare your abilities to those of your peers. However, true confidence doesn't come from comparison; it comes from self-belief and the desire to constantly improve. This article explores the journey of a young violinist and offers practical advice on how to build confidence as a university music student.

Understanding Confidence

The first step in building confidence is to understand that you don't have to compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself to others can often lead to frustration and a lack of self-worth. Instead, focus on your own journey and set realistic goals for yourself.

As Eve shared, “Stop comparing, not only does it not encourage you, it affects your confidence.” It's important to remember that everyone has their own path, and your journey is unique. Just be who you are and strive to be the best that you can be according to your own standards.

The Importance of Authenticity

Being authentic means embracing your true self and working towards your goals without false pretenses. Set reasonable standards for yourself and work towards them with all your heart. Remember, you are not competing with others; you are in a competition with yourself. Your success should be measured by your own satisfaction, not by external validation.

Overcoming Challenges

There are stories of young violinists who faced significant challenges and even faced the possibility of being forced to quit. One such story involves a student who did not heed the warnings from her teachers and former mentors. When the truth finally came to light, it was a traumatic experience that could have derailed her career. However, she took the advice to heart and worked tirelessly to improve her skills.

As mentioned, “This letter said that performance majors need to be at the 400 level and music education majors like her needed to play their main instrument at the 200 level and she wasn’t even that and she wouldn’t graduate unless she could do a list of very specific things.” It's important to address these challenges head-on, even when the path ahead seems daunting.

The Power of Improvement

Many young musicians, like the student in the story, engage the right teachers and mentorship to rebuild their skills from the ground up. As the young lady in the story did, she worked with the best teacher in the area to correct her technique. This process often involves going back to the basics, similar to the "twinkles" exercises, to ensure that new habits are formed.

The key to genuine confidence lies in consistent hard work and self-improvement. As she mentioned, “She practiced that year until her fingers bled probably a good four hours a day in addition to carrying a full music major academic load.” Through this dedicated practice and determination, she was able to overcome her weaknesses and achieve her goals.

Conclusion

Building confidence as a university violinist is a journey of growth, self-discovery, and dedication. Remember to focus on your own progress and set realistic goals for yourself. Embrace your authenticity and be patient with yourself as you work to improve. Confidence comes from within and is a result of your own efforts, not external validations.

So, the next time you feel like you're at the bottom, remind yourself that you are unique and have your own path to follow. Keep practicing, keep growing, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.