Positive Thinking in Music Playing

Exercising positive thinking is as valuable in music as in all other aspects of our lives.

We know that positive thinking is a good practice in general, and it is no different when it comes to playing and performing. It is deeply connected to a musician's progress in their playing and performance skills.

All strategies are helpful and necessary when practicing and developing musicianship. But one element that is extremely valuable and helpful in this arena is positive thinking and attitude. This should be present in a teacher-student relationship as one tries to learn a musical instrument.

The right mindset can help a musician make progress. A positive attitude is not just for the student but also comes from the teacher or instructor. A negative attitude operates similarly: it does not support the student.

A teacher must be willing to show the student that they believe them. This is an aspect of positive thinking. It puts the student in a more relaxed state of mind, as tension is not a good friend in music playing. Any negative input can cause the aspiring musician to become tense and insecure.

These negative emotions need not be present when someone is trying to learn an instrument, make progress, or add to their existing knowledge. The level of the student or even a performer is not of concern.
When music is being performed with confidence, the audience can recognize that. And positive input can make a difference in how a player performs and demonstrates their skills.

Any learning should be done with love and joy and in the right mindset.
Someone needs to enjoy what they are doing. They can also project love and affection for playing music through positive thinking. All these combined can contribute to the individual playing their best because this is also a way of building confidence in one's performance skills and will come through on stage.

Many characteristics embody positive thinking, such as enthusiasm and hope. A positive attitude and expectations yield students who are motivated and want to learn. Demonstrating enthusiasm for teaching and learning will go a long way.

Therefore, how teachers approach students is pivotal in achieving this goal. It is not enough for musicians to practice for long hours; the support they acquire through the positive outlook of their instructors and music coaches helps them remain motivated and engaged in their musical activities.

Suppose a student feels that a teacher is enthusiastic about teaching them. In that case, this adds to their motivation and commitment to learn music.

Therefore, teachers must remain optimistic and be convinced their students can deliver. This does not exempt the student from keeping the motivation alive. Students can also reciprocate this by diligently practicing, thus showing their teachers that they are eager to learn.

As I have discussed in previous posts, many ways exist to become wholeheartedly engaged in music playing.

Hence, a positive attitude in general and in the teacher-student relationship is crucial in learning and excelling in music. This element has to be present, as having the right attitude while teaching offers the student self-empowerment.

What do you do to maintain your positive attitude about your playing? Please share in the comments below.