What if I'm not good enough?

Question

I want to continue playing music in college, but I'm afraid I might not be good enough to be a part of a college group. For example, I have pretty good intonation when I play, but I have a lot of trouble tuning my instrument. Is it worth it to continue?

Answer 1

What if you are good enough??

Answer 2

Most large colleges have several groups, and often they are open to ALL auditionees, regardless of major. This means that there is often a groups that is made of freshman and sophomore music majors, and non-music majors from around the college community. Some even allow adults - staff, people who live nearby- to join, for a non-credit fee. Small college, on the other hand, are looking to add personnel to many of their groups. If you feel you need more lessons before you fir ito a group, then I am sure you can take them as your elective courses. Sometimes, if you college offers a music education degree, you can be the experimental student for a teaching class (Lab rat, cadaver, whatever they jokingly let you call yourself!).

IF you are still too shy to continue in a college group, then post notices, either online or the old-fashioned bulletin-board way. Get yourself some easy-to-read music, and make some friends. If you are interested in easy classical music that has some future USE, I would suggest www.lastresortmusic.com. Get the Music for Three, and get together a trio. If you also add the Piano book, you can do many mix-and match combinations, depending who you are playing with. These books are comprehensive enough to be used by MANY working classical gig players, yet easy enough to play for fun. There is ALWAYS a place for you in an ensemble - you just have to find it! And if you start MAKING playing situations, even if it is for free ( like at nursing homes, churches, etc. ) you will feel the reards of making music. I have been a professional musician for many years, and sometimes the most *rewarding* performances are the ones where no cash ever changes hands - just smiles.

Answer 3

Do it because you love it. Nothing is worse than being sorry later for giving something up that you wanted. It is better to try.

Besides (depending on your instrument) you can probably get individual lessons through your college. One class where I go, requires taking a performance class and an ensemble class, and then you get private lessons as well.

Answer 4

Practice harder man and get someone to show you some tips on how to tune your instrument. Keep at you don't want to give up and miss out on a good opportunity.

Answer 5

First of all, do you have any training? Or was this just something you picked up in your spare time. I am a professional musician, and STILL take lessons... You never stop learning, and learning inspires practice, which inspires creativity. You may have a hidden music maestro in there without even knowing it :)

Answer 6

yeah man it allways worth it just practice hard and as far as tuning it may be your set up (like the brand of reeds , mouth peice or the instrument itself) so ask some one abought that. if its not then u should do ear training, and if u dont take lessons you should

Answer 7

if you love what your doing, then keep on striving for your best.
here is this quote form A Cinderella Story-
"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game."
it's something like that.
good luck, love what you do and work hard and you will be rewarded.
i am just so inspirational.
lol

Answer 8

its only worth it it if you think its worth it. If you think its worth it, then practice harder than before and ask for help in tuning your instrument.

Answer 9

If you have a passion for it then work your butt off and GET good enough... dont let self-doubt take you away from something you love!

Answer 10

if its for love, go for it