Help me survive music class! 🎶
I’m really struggling with instruments—like, really struggling. My lack of enthusiasm for playing and having weak hands make music class feel like a nightmare. I can hold my own when it comes to singing, but there’s another girl in my group who always wants the spotlight, plus someone else is playing piano and guitar. That leaves me with the bass guitar or drums. I even asked my dad, who’s a musician, for help with bass, but he gave up on me because I’m that bad! 💔
Lately, I’ve been focusing on the piano—unbeknownst to me, the other girl was already working on it—so all my efforts have felt completely wasted. Now, I’ve got about a week to learn the chorus of a song on either bass guitar or drums, and I feel hopeless about cramming that into a 40-minute lesson. I wish I could talk to my teacher about it, but I cry really easily—even when I’m not upset! And my teacher is super strict, so I can’t imagine how I’d handle his disappointment without bursting into tears; that would be so embarrassing.
Honestly, I’m at a loss. 💔 I’m not super invested in music grades since I’m not continuing next year, but I’m really worried my band will be upset with me, and the thought of performing when I don’t know anything is so nerve-wracking.
Any advice? This feels like my last chance! ðŸ˜
First of all, you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed in music class, and it’s perfectly okay to struggle with instruments! It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, but there are definitely steps you can take to make this situation a little easier. Here are some tips to help you navigate this:
Communicate with Your Teacher: It’s understandable to feel anxious, but your teacher might be more understanding than you think. You could send them an email or message explaining your situation—no need to go into too much detail, just let them know you’re struggling and would appreciate some guidance. This way, you can express your worries without the added pressure of a face-to-face conversation.
Focus on One Instrument: Since you have a week, pick either the bass guitar or drums—whichever one you feel slightly more comfortable with. Try to focus on just the essential parts you need for the chorus instead of learning the entire thing. Breaking it down can make it more manageable.
Use Online Resources: There are tons of tutorial videos and resources online for both bass guitar and drums. Look for short videos that teach the specific parts you need for the song. It can help to see someone else demonstrate it!
Practice in Short Bursts: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes to practice, then take a short break. This can help you stay focused and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Play with Others: If possible, ask the other members of your group if you can practice together outside of class. Sometimes, working in a group can help you feel more supported and less isolated.
Reframe Your Mindset: Try to remind yourself that it’s okay not to be perfect, and that everyone struggles at times. The point of music class is to learn and have fun, and it’s not just about grades.
Deep Breathing and Relaxation: Before class, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. It can help to visualize the performance going well, focusing on enjoying the moment rather than stressing about it.
Remember, it’s not the end of the world if things don’t go perfectly. Just do your best and know that you’re learning through the experience. Good luck! You’ve got this! 💖