How to get motivation to learn pieces I don't like?

[kanacs]

I'm currently preparing for a piano exam (ATCL diploma), and I have some pieces that I don't really like, such as Chopin Nocturne Op 9 No 1 (seriously, I like almost every chopin piece except for this one) and a few other scarlatti sonatas. How do I get motivation to practice them daily and improve for the exam? (I currently suck at playing these pieces.)

[brogers70]

I think you have to find something you like about them, otherwise, it will be pretty tough. Try playing them lots of different ways, listen to lots of recordings of them. Try to shut down the voice that immediately says "Oh God, I hate this." Somehow, find something you like about them. Not always easy, for sure.

[leigh anne]

I'm currently preparing for a piano exam (ATCL diploma), and I have some pieces that I don't really like, such as Chopin Nocturne Op 9 No 1 (seriously, I like almost every chopin piece except for this one) and a few other scarlatti sonatas. How do I get motivation to practice them daily and improve for the exam? (I currently suck at playing these pieces.)

Try to listen to that piece over and over again until you get used to it.  I don't know the feeling of playing pieces I don't like since everything is really a wonderful piece of art for me,   but maybe you could trick your mind by repeating inside your head that you like that piece.  And also try to play it for the sake of your great performance.

[bwl_13]

Maybe controversial but I don't see why you'd select a piece you don't love for an exam especially. I don't really care for Chopin Op. 10 No. 2 but it's a very useful etude so I've worked through it casually. You can use some pieces you don't love as much for a few specific skills, but when there's plenty of other music you can play why play anything you don't love?

Exams require a lot of preparation and while I'm not familiar with the music organization you're studying with, most syllabi have enough variety for you to find something you like or love in every category.

Does your teacher not agree? Mention it to them if you think you can change your selections

[quantum]

For something like an exam where there generally is a choice, it is probably better to choose music that you find at least some interest in.  However, if you intend to pursue music in a professional capacity you need to have a strategy for dealing with playing music you do not like, as you will from time to time be required to play something for your job that you are not so enthusiastic about. 

As brogers70 said, find an aspect of the music you like.  You can also find a way to interpret and perform the music that resonates with you, even if the source material does not. 

There are some really well known hymns that I just don't like.  However, because I am a church musician I often get these requested, over and over and over and over...  I've found various aspects of the music that I can experiment with and generate some interest.  It might mean making subtle changes to the way I play the hymn, or creating an improvised hymn prelude in a style that interests me. 

[lostinidlewonder]

Why if you doing diploma level are you doing works you are not connecting to? The level is challenging enough and simply  doing works you dislike is not going to do you any favours. Maybe one piece you don't like is ok to put up with (Personally I don't even do that to my exam students) but having multiple works you dislike is crazy imho and especially so for your level. Is there any reason why your teacher is vetoing what pieces you do when the syllabus offers many selections?