Depressed...

General
#1

Hi Friends,

I started Nagauta shamisen in last September with a Japanese teacher. I am very happy with my one hour lesson per week with her even if I would like more lessons. I try to work at home but this is not always so easy.

When I am at home or during my lessons, I always go back to the beginning of the method, starting with what I call the very basics. I think that whatever you learn, you need to go back to the basics to be sure that they are understood. This is the same for music of course.

However, I have always (but also sometimes) the same difficulties in playing i.e. missing strings with my bachi, difficulties in positioning my fingers on the strings… although that there is no special difficulty. It also difficult for me to concentrate at the same time on the bachi, my fingers on the strings and the notation sheet… My hand for bachi is certainly not enough relaxed.

This is probably stupid but I feel a little bit depressed even if my teacher said that I have made a lot of progresses. To the contrary, I feel that I stagnate.

I am not complaining because I am very happy to play shamisen and this is probably what you all felt guys.

Any idea to help me to be self confident ?

Cheers

Frédéric

#2

I think there will come recommendations for meditation to get in the right mood.

I’m no Yngwie Malmsteen, but I always find it that the times where I feel encouraged even after putting the instrument away is when I have played music that gets me going. I think the trick is to always have a practice part but also combine each session with some improvisation or just playing some non traditional music that you like if improvisation isn’t your thing.

If you want more confidence you should tell your friends what you wrote here. I’m sure they will encourage you that you are better than you think. You are always better than you think you are.

#3

Fred White,
Feeling depressed about your musical progress(especially concerning specific bachi hand techniques) Is not a Bad thing. In fact It means that music is something very special and important to you. It is the sign of a great musician or at least someone who is on the right path.

So first of all, conratulations for expressing such passion for the Shamisen.

Here is something for you to think about…

Playing and enjoying music means many different things… Its not always about perfection, sometimes its about exploration and adventure. It`s good to have concern for perfection but it is also good to just dive into the mystery and enjoyment of it.
If you are having problems in a certain way, concerning a certain aspect of your Shamisen practice, it could be that you need to free your mind from that part just to move forward.

For example…If you find you are missing strings and getting frustrated then maybe it`s time to Stop practicing that tune and change your practice time into somethine else. . .
Try to work on a different tune, or a different technique or perhaps play something complete new just to get your mind into a fresh space.

If you really want self confidence, abandon your “Self”. With music its more about disappearing into the sonic realms that produce melodies and rhythms etc. The best way to make your worries and depression disappear is to take away the person who can be worried and depressed. To disappear means to let your ego and personality dissolve away in favor of the music itself. All your depression and worries are locked up inside of You. When "You" are not there any more, then you literally "Become" the music you are playing or practicing. In other words Try losing yourself in the music. Stop trying to practice, and let the music practice itself through your fingers. It just takes some deep breathing, relaxing stretches and imagination. Its no secret really.

#4

Wise words… It reminds me of the times we were at karate practice and we did this meditation at the start and end of every session… i felt it really helped to learn new techniques. It was about closing the outer world of the dojo and focusing entirely on the upcoming training and vice versa when we left. I actually thought about this yesterday in the buss when i talked about our karate lessons with my friend and then i started thinkin’ about doing the same with shamisen… I hope it brings some results!

#5

Thanks a lot for your support. i really appreciate !
Kevin, I really appreciate your kind words. it is true that I am may be too perfectionist and need to be more relaxed… I will be into practise your advice and I am sure that I will improve my shamisen practise and become a good player.
Have an excellent day !
Fred

#6

I don’t know if I ever will be able to play nothing else matters good enough for me . . . with the open strings start it is sort of accessable and I got the tabs like a week after I picked up the guitar over 10 years ago - granted I only played a lot at times and not all those years but I sometimes am like well with all the playing I did I should nail this piece but sometimes it’s rather like I get worse er . . . enjoyment I shall take that to heart I mean I am not even a professional player who gotta play certain things great or should perform well I mean it’s a something I do for fun so . . .

#7

When you think youre getting worse, youre actually getting better.

I’ve always been frustrated when trying to play from notation or tabs. I relate to that feeling of depression. I even quit playing guitar because I couldn’t stay motivated. Then I net Kevin and he taught me to play by ear, improvise, and focus on the basics. Once I stooped trying to be a perfect music playing machine, my inspiration soared and I became much happier.
Granted, we all have our rough times; we hit plateaus and feel like we’re going nowhere.But we gotta remember it’s all just a test of patience, and you never stop improving as long as you keep playing.

#8

“Granted” lol :stuck_out_tongue:
Damn i need meet Kevin irl if he has that kind of effect

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