Is this it? Is this all there is? Am I really stuck with this lifestyle forever? 💭

What did I do wrong? Am I just not as naturally talented as others, or am I just unlucky?

Why do I still feel like I’m not good enough? Do I just need to practice more and work harder? What am I missing? 🎻

If you’re having doubts and worries like these about your self-worth and your abilities as a musician, or you’re feeling down about the musical profession as a whole, please know that you’re not alone. These thoughts are common! ❤️

I’ve played with dozens of orchestras and ensembles, and I’ve talked and worked with hundreds of musicians, both as colleagues and as my students. Again and again I’ve seen these kinds of doubts alive in almost all musicians, to some degree or another. But most hide them—even from themselves—because it can be really hard to face the truth that you’re not perfectly satisfied with your life and you wish so much things were better.

These thoughts come up to poke you from time to time to keep you from languishing in complacency or digging your heels in deeper, to remind you that there actually IS more for you to achieve and enjoy. Uncomfortable emotions are there to spur you on to make positive changes. 🌱

As unsettling as these thoughts and feelings are, it’s really healthy to look difficulties in the eye, and you’re reading this book for a reason.

The truth is, most musicians are NOT living up to their full artistic potential, and everyone can always improve, no matter where they are in life and no matter their musical skill level. As the great Spanish cellist Pablo Casals said when he was asked at sixty-seven, again at eighty, and perhaps later, why he kept practicing, “Because I think I’m making progress!” ✨

What you need to remember is that despite the whispers of your “Doubt Monsters,” if you’re not making the progress you’d like, and your life isn’t shaping up as planned, it’s not because there’s something wrong with you. And it’s not because you’re lazy, untalented, unlucky, or stupid! 💛

I have two coaching openings for new students this month who want to become far more intentional – in mind, body, and spirit – in how they play their instruments, and vastly improve their practice and performance skills with ease.

Just comment “INFO” below if you're interested and we can have a chat about what's possible!

With Love & Light,
Jennifer ❤️

📘 The above is an excerpt from my award-winning book, ‘Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life'.

Need a great gift? You can find the book on amazon in paperback, hardcover, and kindle versions. Or – if you're in the USA – you can now order copies directly from me.

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