Should I continue playing the violin....?

Question

I'm in high school now and I've recently been thinking about quitting the violin. I've been playing for 6 years, and I've had 4 years of private lessons. I bought a $3,000 violin last year, thinking I would play it for the whole time in high school, but now I never practice becuase I'm soo lazy that I don't even take my instrument out of its case. I have stopped private lessons for now.....
I hate practicing (most of the time), and playing at school is kinda boring. BUT there are a few moments when I feel connected with the music and I really get into it and enjoy it...this happens rarely.
So is it worth continuing? Or should I just stop, which will disappoint my teachers and parents?

Answer 1

Wow! It's so great to be talented at playing such a wonderful instrument, way to go! Having played for six years at that, too bad I haven't been able to hear your talent! I say that due to my interest/s in varied music. Sometimes a break from such matters, helps in times of block. Perhaps you could consider using your talent, after a resting period, that is, in creating your own music for future use per say, movies, other musicians, orchestras, etc...However, you still have the opportunity, to search into other careers, you are still young, to enhance on your strong subjects. Perhaps your guidance counselor could help you with direction into your options. Talk with your parents about your concerns, and explain to them your hope is not so to disappoint them, but you need a break from the music for awhile and need their support while you search out all options available to you to succeed in your career choices. Keep in mind lazy for too long, is not good, and will create a poor habit, and that will mean lost money to you in your future, if you don't self-discipline your routines now. Good habit will always be your friend if you train it well. Wishing you the best, in your decision/s, and your future. Hope that was helpful, thanks for asking!

Answer 2

It is perhaps not your favorite instrument to play. I would take a serious in depth look at what your true desires are then do what your heart tells you. Perhaps you would enjoy playing a different instrument better such as the piano or accustic guitar. You could maybe sell your violin on ebay then use the money to but a used piano. What, no room for a piano? Simple - just sell your moms couch while she's at work and tell her she won't need a couch anymore becuz you will soon be entertaining her with beautiful piano ballads. Use the couch money for lessons and some groovy piano playing duds, LOL. Then after you graduate you can land a job in a high-class nightclub playing piano and getting huge $50 tips then you can buy your Mom a brand new custom sofa.

I played the trumpet for 3 years in school but I quit before my junior year because it wasn't fun anymore. I had the musical talent but it got boring. Plus what good will playing trumpet do me after school? The employment ads arent exactly crawling with openings for trumpet players and since we have no forts like F-Troop anymore there is no need for bugle players either. Hmmm, now that I think of it I wonder if those bugle players got paid the same as the other soldiers. If they did then that would be the job to have. You could make everyone go to bed just by playing a tune called taps then wake their asses up by playing revilee in the morning and then the best part? "Charge, suckers! I'm staying here!" LOL - sorry.

Or, you could just sell your violin and use the money for something else un-music related. Heck, buy your Mom a present and surprise her with it and tell her you did it just becuz you love her.

I am thinking about taking up guitar. I know I will like that better and I will be good at it. *smile* Good luck.

Answer 3

My personal opinion is the the violin produces the most beautiful music possible. I listen to Montanan as often as I can. You have the skill that some people would die for. You may be bored with the instrument right now, but that feeling could change later as you get older. I highly recommend that you do not quit the violin and reconsider what it took you to get the skill that you have. The violin cost of $3,000. and all the hours of classes and practice. I suggest you find other violin enthusiast and, just for the fun of it play music with them. This just might spark or re-kindle what made you take the violin up in the first place. Please don't quit. Quitters never win, and winners never quit. Best of Luck, keep playing. Your interest in other things may interfere with your music from time to time as you get older, however, your violin music skills will always be with you. You have a gift and you should never abuse a gift.

Answer 4

Why would you want to quit now? I say don't. What kind of music do you like? Play your favorite genre on your violin. With all the training and practice you have had, you should be able to come up with innovative and/or unconventional ways to play. Don't give up, just find a way to enjoy it. Playing music is awesome and fun, I do it all the time. Although the violin is not my main instrument, I can play it and i have taken lessons for about 4 years, and it is very fun. Play with other people; that is always fun.

Answer 5

I have been playing cello for a couple years now. idk if you play in the orchestra at schhol but i do. I adore playing the cello. Ur right. we do get the crappy notes, the violins usually get the lead, but sometimes we get lucky and get the lead. I also take private lessons, which is the only time i have to lug around the cello. When i play at school, i only have to bring my bow...and they have cellos there. If you want to play the cello and you can read the notes; go for it! You can rent the cello from a local store and see if you like it, and if you would rather play the violin, then take the cello back and continue playing violin.

Answer 6

The sound of a violin is so beautiful. If you're really good at it
stick with it. Practicing usually is never the fun part of anything . Maybe there's a way you could make it fun again. Maybe find someone to play with once and a while. You could make a career out of it if you wanted to when you get older.

Answer 7

You may just need to find a new way to enjoy it. You're probably very proficient, judging by your history... try to enjoy it in a new context. I'm guessing you mostly play classical/chamber type music for school & practice... but you probably listen to different music on your own.

Try playing Rock, Jazz or Bluegrass... Camper Van Beethoven did great indie rock with violin (see Pictures of Matchstick Men), Jean-Luc Ponty was an innovative jazz violinist and long-time Frank Zappa sideman...

...it's a great instrument, I envy your abilities, but don't force yourself into doing a hobby (or worse career!) you can't stand,... life's too short.

Answer 8

if you really enjoy playing but can't get up any motivation, try to find someone to play with. i thought about hanging up my bass until i found out that one of my coworkers had a band and needed a bass player. but don't continue playing if you really don't want to. there's no need in making yourself suffer just to please someone else

Answer 9

With all the time you have already spent on it, you should continue with it even if it meant on a limited scale!

Answer 10

you should continue. if you dont its like throwing all that knowledge and money out the window. keep your talent. SIX years!