Find Joy in Practicing Flute

​Find the Joy in Playing on Days Where Things Aren’t as Easy
Learning to play or master a musical instrument, such as the flute, can be a deeply rewarding experience.  However, there will be times when you don’t feel like you’re playing at your best.  Maybe it’s the weather, a stuffy nose, what you ate for lunch, your energy, your attitude, or so many other reasons - within or out of your control.  It can be frustrating and discouraging, and it’s easy to lose motivation.
But don’t worry.  There are ways to find joy in practicing the flute even on those difficult days.  Let’s explore some tips and techniques to help you stay motivated and find joy in playing, even when things aren’t going quite as planned.

1. Focus on the process, not just the outcome.

One of the keys to finding joy in practicing the flute is to focus on the process, rather than just the outcome.  Learning an instrument is a journey, and there will be ups and downs and bumps along the way.  Instead of getting frustrated when you’re not playing at your best, try to see the full process and observe where you are making progress.  Celebrate the small victories, such as playing a particular passage correctly, nailing one tricky fingering, or the sound in a favorite phrase.  Remember that every step you take on this journey is progress, and progress is something to be celebrated.

1. Set achievable goals

Setting achievable goals is another important factor in finding joy in practicing the flute.  If you set unrealistic goals, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration.  Instead, set small, achievable goals that you can work towards each day.  This could be something as simple as practicing one particular scale or arpeggio or playing a short piece of music.  When you achieve that goal, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that might motivate you and your next practice.

1. Practice mindfully

Mindful practice is a technique that can help you stay focused and engaged.  Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and focusing your attention on what you’re doing.  Perhaps take a moment to focus on your breathing and posture.  From there, stay in the present moment by focusing on the sound you’re producing.  Listen to the tone, the pitch, the rhythm, the notes.  Make small adjustments when needed to improve the playing, while staying grounded and focused.  By practicing mindfully, you will enjoy the process of playing from a more complete perspective.

1. Practice with a purpose

Practicing with a purpose can also help you stay motivated and find more joy in your practice.  Instead of simply going through the motions or routines, try to focus on a specific aspect of your playing that you want to improve.  This could be as simple as playing with more dynamics, focusing on your breathing, or feeling the smooth movement of your fingers.  By practicing with a purpose, you’ll feel more engaged.

1. Find inspiration

Finally, finding inspiration is a great way to stay motivated and find joy in playing the flute.  Listen to your favorite flutists or watch performances on YouTube.  Read a blog or an article, or listen to a podcast.  Surrounding yourself with music and other musicians can be incredibly inspiring as well, and help you stay motivated on even the most challenging days.  Look for a group or community in which you can participate.  Maybe you join a flute choir, community band, or a virtual group like the Solo of the Month on Facebook.
In conclusion, learning to find joy in practicing the flute is a skill that takes time and effort to develop consistently.  By focusing on the process, setting achievable goals, practicing mindfully, practicing with a purpose, and finding inspiration, you can stay motivated and engaged, even when things aren’t going perfectly.  Remember, playing the flute is a journey, and every step you take is progress.  Enjoy the journey, and remember to celebrate your achievements along the way.