Stop Frustration While Practicing Music

Step away from that sheet music. No, really, step away for a moment. You don't need frustration right now. You need to learn a musical piece quickly, without encountering roadblocks. Perhaps looking at the problem (or opportunity) from a different perspective will help.

For instance, what are you really trying to do? You're trying to create, or recreate, music. Music is definitely not paper. It's sound; sound with intelligence. Music also soothes, not frustrates. Let's move into that soothing zone by playing real music.

For starters, what is your key signature? Is the song written in the key of 'C' or 'F'? What is the time signature? Is it in a four or three denomination of time? Is it slow or fast? What style is it? Now, begin playing notes in the exact same framework as your piece. It doesn't matter what you play. Make sure it's the same key, time, and style.

Furthermore, invent some melodies of your own. Think of the rhythms you want to play. Predict what sound comes next as you play. Get carried away in your melodies. Create music!

Now, go back to the part in the sheet music you hated. It's not your enemy. It's someone else's melody they created, just like you did with your own. Fake it, by playing what you think it should sound like. Make wrong notes. Make shorter phrases. Make it your own.

Finally, let those sixteenth notes, those crazy rests, those dots and trills and tonal leaps - go. Come back another day, or, in 30 minutes. Give yourself, and your subconscious, time to digest the musical ideas you have fed on.

In addition, letting yourself be free, and having fun making the art of music, gives you positive feedback. This unique process definitely will help you learn another's transcribed musical idea. Never be afraid to fail, or get frustrated, since music provides entertainment, notably for you.