Quitting? Help...

[chaos3737]

I've been playing the piano for 13 years (of my 15), and I used to consider myself quite good at it. In 8th grade I had taken the RCM exams through grade 8... Increasingly, though, I have less and less time for it. I'm also a marimbist, and as I try to put more time into the marimba and into my school work, I'm finding I have to get up at ridiculous hours (like 6 AM before school) to even practice anymore. And plus, my teacher is awful, and isn't actually teaching me anything, so I haven't really gotten better in about 2 years... I'm playing the Ravel Sonatine, and I'm just not satisfied with it. I perpetually feel like it's just not beautiful. Unlike my marimba, no matter what I do, it just doesn't sound "right"... and that's compounded by the fact that I never have time to practice anymore. I love piano so much, because you can get such a melancholy, mourning sound that you never hear from any other instrument. And it pains me to let it go. I stopped practicing 8 days ago, and my fingers feel stiff. Piano is all i can think about 24/7. I seriously don't know what to do: one the one hand, I don't have time and I'm better at marimba, but on the other, I just can't bear to let it go. I need some advice

[flyinfingers]

Do not quit!  You will be sorry as I am at the ripe age of...ahem, I refuse to say because I refuse to ever feel old.  I did not have anyone to care enough and say, Hey, stupid, what are you doing?
Anyway, this seems to be the age when piano players want to quit, like I did stupidly and I didn't have a forum like this for advice.  Consider yourself blessed that you have all of us who care and to save you from one of the biggest mistakes you will make.  Why is 6 a.m. ridiculous?  I love the morning because you have total solitude at that time.  Get a new teacher, go to bed earlier.  And if that doesn't work, then ask us again, but do not quit!  Other than that, I'm no expert on anything other than my own life experiences.  Your heart never lies; listen to your heart.

[kellyc]

There are times we all feel overwhelmed and times when things seem stale. It happens to everyone.  Give yourself a break , and coast a little . It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Find 20 to 30 minutes a day and play bach, or jazz, or improvise and just have fun at the key board. Tell your teacher straight out how you feel. Tell your folks. Get the people in your life to help you out.  You can get thru this, by being smart.  You know life is kind of like this. If your happy today , you will be sad tomorrow. But, if your sad today you will be happy tomorrow. Every person hits sticking points. No matter if your an athlete or a musician, or whatever.

Try and fine away to make things work and remember, this is a decision you can't undue. The number of adults who did stop and later in life regretted it , are quite high in number. 

I hope this helps, at least a little 

Kelly

[keyboardclass]

Sounds like you need a new teacher.

[starstruck5]

Why not post your Ravel Sonatine in the Audition room? Or something else?  Perhaps it would be a good to have different goals - recording and posting online would offer different feedback to that of your teacher. 

Whatever you do - don't give up the piano!