Feeling depressed...

[dolcejen]

I was scheduled to be in my first "real" recital (actually mostly accompanying a flautist and violinist) next spring and have been working excitedly and diligently on preparing for it...playing some of the hardest pieces I've ever done. And now they're talking about cancelling it. Now my motivation for challenging myself in music has gone out the window and I don't know what to do. I feel like I've lost an opening to stepping into a more musical (classical) oriented life and now have the door slammed on me. I'm sorry if this is incoherant... any ideas for how to motivate myself and keep going with this, even if there's no recital on the horizon? I've thought about maybe trying to get into accompanying some other way...maybe for college students or something. I really love accompanying and want to go farther in the classical realm.

[Siberian Husky]

if u feel as if u want to throw it all away after only one misfortune..then your not cut out for it

[rc]

hmmmm... Maybe you could get excited about finding other recital opprotunities.

Since it's supposed to be your first recital, it seems like the only recital. Talk to people, spread the word that you want to put some projects together. There's bound to be some people out there who will want to play with you. I'm sure you can think of some things to try and get it happening.

...I don't actually know anything about recitals, but this is generally my way of getting rid of disappointment.

[rc]

Oh, remember, it took Edison thousands of tries to invent a proper lightbulb. He just goes 'Welp, now I know another way how not to build a lightbulb... we're getting closer!'.

[BoliverAllmon]

be grateful you ain't dead.

[Appenato]

College students always need someone to accompany and you get a whole great variety of musicians to work with (which is awesome), so if you're really considering that, go for it. It's very rewarding and can be lots of fun when you perform together, despite the nerves that arise during jury time.

Accompanying at a college also provides the extra oppurtunities outside of the school. Most everyone knows someone who's doing a gig or needing someone to join them. talking to people about your interest in doing music with others is definitely one of the prominent ways to "going somewhere". 

It can be disheartening when the door seems as though it's been slammed in your face, but cheer up because the opportunities will come. You just might have to do a little further searching and get your name and interest out in what you're wanting to do. Really look into the college accompanist though.

Good luck.

[dolcejen]

if u feel as if u want to throw it all away after only one misfortune..then your not cut out for it

You're totally right...however I'm going to choose not to be that kind of person. I guess that's the comment I deserve when I whine in a public place, eh?

t can be disheartening when the door seems as though it's been slammed in your face, but cheer up because the opportunities will come. You just might have to do a little further searching and get your name and interest out in what you're wanting to do. Really look into the college accompanist though.

Good luck. Smiley

Thanks for the heartening words. I really appreciate it. I don't know much about accompanying college students but your info is a start...

be grateful you ain't dead.

Amen, Boli  VERY comforting words there.  (tone of sarcasm)

[Appenato]

Thanks for the heartening words. I really appreciate it. I don't know much about accompanying college students but your info is a start...

Go to a university's music department and ask about getting your name on the accompanist list. Let the teacher's know you're interested in accompanying and perhaps even offer your experience with others you've accompanied (such as the flutist and violinist you were going to accompany).

[Siberian Husky]

appenato knows alot about being depressed..if u ever need some tips on moping around or being really melancholy online..she's the chic to take notes from...but i can break that with some 9/2..she aint sh*T

[Dazzer]

You're totally right...however I'm going to choose not to be that kind of person. I guess that's the comment I deserve when I whine in a public place, eh?

don't worry he says it to me all the time.

[bernhard]

Er… Why not organise the recital yourself? Get together with the violinist and the flutist and figure how to get a hall for free (community centres, Church halls etc.). Then invite friends and family (at the very least). You may do it for free, or you may sell tickets. You may even do it for charity, and in this way get sponsored.

(Search for posts of Lostinidlewonder: he has given some excellnet advice on how to go aobut this sort of project ).

Initiative, initiative!

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[dolcejen]

Thank you for the encouragement and advice. You are right, I must take initiative!