I don't know why, I've just lost the desire to play piano. It's gone and it's apparently not coming back. I find the practice boring, tedious and pointless. SO much so, I've sold my piano and will be glad to never see one again. Sorry to disappoint. Maybe I just pushed for technical perfection to the point of burnout. I've even closed my studio. I'm a CPhT, Certified pharmacy technician, now. I can't even remember why I wanted to attain such a level of skill at the piano. I look back at it and think "I had an unhealthy obsession", well the obsession is gone and so is the music, unfortunately. I don't know what happened. One day, during practice I just "snapped", got this sense of rage, slammed down the cover and never touched the keys again. It's been a year since I've played. I don't even listen to Classical music any more. I find it unmoving and pedantic. As of now, I'm probably as confused as you are, but it is what it is. I even had a brain scan to make sure I didn't have something physiologically wrong with me, all results negative. Anyway it's been fun hanging out, but I don't fit this niche anymore. I'm too busy at work to spend much time in forums anymore, so don't be surprised if this is the last you hear from me.
Hey, Pete. Thanks for your honesty. I think you are being wise to not force things and to recognize that it could be burnout. Your perfectionism could also be a key here. Whatever it is, hopefully it is temporary, and a desire to play might return years from now. Or it might not. Right now, one of my students has turned to jazz and boogie-woogie and has lost interest in anything classical. It is a totally new genre for myself to teach but it is fun and holds merits and challenges of its own , I think. Maybe a new genre would interest you eventually, or even some ensemble playing in a jazz group might grab you at some point in the future. Classical solo piano can be a bit lonely and one has to work so hard to get impressive pieces polished, that it sometimes can become a drag. I don't see an option to PM you here, so I'll dare to say that yes, maybe even the snooty stigma of classical music might be a factor. Here's a vid for you of a talented German we stole having some fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiQL1Cik ... re=related I really hope you still visit P.S. from time to time, and that you keep playing.....even if not soon, then eventually in the distant future.
Never say never. Things change. I think you will find your way back to music one day; I know this because it happened to me. So....you know where to find us. I hope we see you back here sooner rather than later. Good-bye for now, Pete, and best wishes, Monica p.s. I've made the change that you requested.
Just copying over my reaction from the 'What works are you learning' thread, where Pete cross-posted his message.
Thanks for dropping by to update with us, Pete. I hope you find another passion that is healthier for you, and like the others, I miss your presence on the forums.