haven't played for more than a month

[db05]

I got sick of A(H1N1) in July and had to stop going to class. At the same time, I was depressed and wanted to quit music for good. (That's also why I haven't been on here lately. Missed you!  ) Now I'm on medication, and it makes me feel tired a lot, sleepy even, or just odd.

Realizing that getting depressed isn't a good reason to stop music, I started to practice again on my instruments (guitar and piano - at random though, can't fix a schedule yet) and I'm struggling with everything. I remember the music I would play a bit, but my hands don't feel the same.

Next month, that is if I can stabilize my moods, I'll be getting a teacher again. Any tips for playing now, or should I wait a bit more? Also, should I still study the old pieces, or start again with new ones? I'm around grade 3-4, so I don't mind starting from zero.

[quantum]

I find that whenever I take such a break it is quite refreshing.  Yes your fingers do feel out of shape and you tend to forget stuff, but that can also be a good thing.  It is a good time to do away with bad habits, and relearn things in a new light. 

[db05]

I find that whenever I take such a break it is quite refreshing.  Yes your fingers do feel out of shape and you tend to forget stuff, but that can also be a good thing.  It is a good time to do away with bad habits, and relearn things in a new light. 

Indeed. I feel refreshed a little bit.

[Bob]

Start easy, work in slow.  A little, more often.

If you do the old pieces, I've heard its good just to start fresh with them.  Start the old piece like it was a new piece.

[go12_3]

There's no need to panic if you don't play piano for a few weeks.  Really.  It's good to have a break.  I would take a few days off from practicing and then when  I return to playing my pieces, it seems that I have a better perspective and my mind would be more focused too.
I think it's easy to get into a rut and think the more I practice the better I will be, say that does hold true, but for those that aren't professionals, then it's okay to take a break now and then.  Besides, I end up missing playing the piano after a while.  Then I enjoy learning and reviewing the pieces I have learned. 

best wishes,

go12_3

[imbetter]

There were two points in my life were I had to take substantial breaks from the piano. Both times it was a bit of a struggle to come back but I regained all my abilities very quickly. In your case it was only a month so if you just keep practicing you should be fine.

[db05]

Thanks for the encouragement!! I guess there's no need to worry once I make up my mind to study and lessons start again. I'm not sure I want to go back to the blood-sweat-and-tears world of music making, though.

[momopi]

Wow!!! I got sick too!     

Not A(H1N1) but something lung-related and dangerous that if I caught A(H1N1), would die. So, I was forced to resign and had to hang out in the house for more than a month.

Anyway, I just played scales earlier and some very short pieces. Trying to enjoy, not to perfect my playing. You know, taking it easy. I know I'll be more rigorous with my playing when things in life get better. So, I don't really worry much about it at the moment.


<3

[db05]

Woah. I didn't realize you were there. I missed you, momopi.
When I got the flu, I really thought I was going to die and quit school and everything. It made me think existentially. I wanted my life to have much more than music. I couldn't find answers until I got well though.

<3

[bestpianosoftware]

Take a rest.  Do not overdo things instantly.  Take little but sure steps.