Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like the More I Practice My Instrument, the Worse I Perform?

Have you ever felt frustrated when you find that the more you practice your instrument, the worse you feel you are performing? This paradox is not uncommon among musicians, and it can indeed be perplexing. However, there are a few key factors at play that might explain this feeling. Let's delve deeper into understanding why this happens and how you can navigate through it.

Why You Might Feel Like Your Performance is Deteriorating

It is not uncommon for musicians to experience fluctuations in their performance, even as they increase their practice time. This is often because you are becoming more attuned to the quality of your playing. As you continue to practice, you are likely to notice and become more sensitive to the shortcomings in your performance. Fortunately, human beings have a tendency to focus more on the negative aspects of their achievements rather than the positive ones. This means that you might be more inclined to notice the mistakes or areas that need improvement, which can mistakenly make it feel like your overall performance is declining.

But fear not! The real issue here might be a matter of perspective. When you notice these shortcomings, it's important to take a step back and acknowledge the progress you are making. It’s crucial to remember that even accomplished musicians have areas where they struggle. Therefore, giving yourself credit for the things that are improving is vital in maintaining a positive mindset.

Focusing on the Positives

A great way to shift your perspective is to deliberately focus on the positive aspects of your practice sessions. On some occasions, try to do a practice session where you actively listen for and focus on the good things. Take note of these positive moments, as they can serve as a reminder of your progress. It can be helpful to jot down these positive observations so that you can reinforce them in your mind and feel more confident in your abilities.

Another technique is to actively listen for and list these positive aspects rather than just passively hearing them. By doing so, you are more likely to internalize the improvements you are making and feel a boost in your overall performance. This kind of positive reinforcement can do wonders for your confidence and motivation as a musician.

Understanding Day-to-Day Performance Variations

Another factor that can contribute to these fluctuations in performance is the state of your mind and body. Your performance can be heavily influenced by your mood, stress levels, rest, and overall health. These factors can vary from day to day, making it challenging to maintain consistency in your playing. While it’s nearly impossible to control every variable, being aware of these factors can help you understand and even anticipate when you might have an off day.

To gauge your readiness for a challenging or risky performance, try a few methods. For instance, sitting down and playing a piece on the guitar for a few minutes can give you a sense of your current state. If your performance seems less than perfect, it might be a good sign that your mind and body are not fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

Additionally, you can utilize other methods to assess your readiness, such as checking your score after throwing a handful of darts from a distance. This can serve as a more lighthearted and amusing way to determine your state of mind and physical readiness.

Role of Mental States in Performance

Mental states play a significant role in your performance. Many experts point out that how present and focused you are has a considerable impact on your playing. For some, the issue might not be purely physical but rather about having a clear and focused mind. While it’s true that your hands might sometimes act like clay, the core issue for many musicians is mental engagement.

After warming up and ensuring your hands are ready, focus on the mental aspect of your practice. By maintaining present and focused mental states, you can significantly improve your performance. Emphasizing the brain over just physical practice can lead to better results and a more consistent level of playing.

Overlearning and Repetition

In general, increasing your practice repetitions is a good thing and can lead to greater learning of a skill. However, there is a point of diminishing returns where too many repetitions can hinder progress. Overlearning, or practicing to a point where you can perform a task automatically, can be beneficial. But once you reach this point, further repetitions can lead to fatigue and decreased performance.

It’s important to strike a balance between continuous practice and rest. By giving your body and mind the rest they need, you can avoid fatigue and maintain a high level of performance. Remember that rest is as crucial as practice when it comes to honing your skills and achieving excellence.

Conclusion

To summarize, feeling like your performance is declining despite increased practice is a common experience for musicians. It is often due to becoming more aware of the imperfections in your playing and the influence of your mental and physical state. By focusing on the positives, understanding day-to-day variations, and paying attention to your mental states, you can navigate through these fluctuations and continue to improve your instrumental performance.