How to Transition Back to Playing an Instrument After a Break

Welcome back to the world of music! Transitioning back to playing an instrument after a period away can be a rewarding journey. Whether you have picked up your guitar, piano, or any other instrument, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth return to your musical journey.

The Importance of Gradual Reintroduction

After returning from a break, it's crucial to reintroduce yourself to the instrument gradually. Start by revisiting familiar pieces at a lower difficulty level and incrementally increase the complexity as you become comfortable. This approach helps prevent frustration and ensures that you maintain the joy of playing.

Setting Realistic Goals and Consistent Practices

To make the transition smoother, set realistic goals and establish a consistent practice routine. Break down your objectives into manageable tasks and create a schedule that fits your daily life. Even a short, regular practice session can go a long way in building and maintaining your skills.

Consider Taking Refresher Lessons

If you feel like you need a bit of a refresher, consider taking a few private lessons. This can provide you with personalized guidance and help you regain your confidence. Additionally, the cost of these lessons can serve as a reminder of the value of your practice time.

Exploring New Repertoire

Rediscover the joy of playing by exploring new repertoire. Once you feel more confident, try tackling pieces that are slightly more challenging. This not only enhances your technical skills but also keeps your practice sessions interesting and engaging.

Personal Stories and Tips

From Surgery to Rebirth: I had a serious surgery in mid-March and was in the hospital for 25 days. After my recovery, I didn’t feel like playing for a month or so. Eventually, I started playing my guitar again. At first, I faced challenges with forming chords, but with practice, I not only regained my skills but also improved. I attribute my success to waiting until I felt ready again and then simply "doing it."

Exploring Different Instruments: Some instruments are easier to pick up than others. The violin, for example, can be quite challenging. On the other hand, the piano and guitar are generally easier in their own ways. If you find returning to your primary instrument too daunting, consider trying a different instrument to maintain your musical practice.

Hiring a Private Instructor: Having a private instructor can be invaluable. These instructors can provide personalized advice and motivate you to practice effectively. When you pay for their time, you start to value your own practice more, leading to better results. A private instructor can also help you avoid making common mistakes and ensure that you progress efficiently.

Changing Your Attitude: Sometimes, the key to returning to music is a change in attitude. Approach playing with the mindset that you are doing it for fun. Embrace your journey, no matter how small the progress, and don’t be too hard on yourself. I, as a later-in-life learner, have come to accept that I will never be a professional musician, but that is okay. Focus on enjoying the process.

Practical Advice for Starting Back Up

For those starting back after a longer break, here are some practical steps:

Start Easy: Begin with really simple pieces and gradually increase the difficulty. This builds your confidence and helps you progress steadily. Warm-Up Exercises: Incorporate daily warm-up exercises like playing musical scales, triads, and sight-reading. These exercises help maintain and improve your technique. Reverting to Basics: If you find your skills have regressed, go back to the basics. Revisit first principles and build up from there. Progress will be faster this time, but don’t skip any fundamental steps. Patience and Persistence: Depending on the length of your break, it may take several months to regain your proficiency. Consistent practice over time will yield the best results.

Returning to an instrument after a break can be enriching and rewarding. Whether you are coming back from a temporary hiatus due to health issues or simply taking a break for a while, the key is to be patient, set realistic goals, and maintain a consistent practice routine. Bon voyage on your musical journey!