Taming Anxiousness

Taming anxiousness isn’t easy. Something that works for one may spark more anxiety in another. Music tames the anxious brain. Playing and listening to music is becoming more of a go-to approach. (see this week’s teacher’s blog.)

Committing to learning a musical instrument is precisely that–a commitment. Let me go further and say that it’s a lifetime commitment. And the beginning years are anything but anxiety-reducing.

My first efforts were clouded in arguments about practising, frustration with the sound I was producing and sheer boredom.

I’m not sure how many times I gave up. It took a particular teacher to switch on the desire to achieve more. His expertise and knowledge, in turn, grabbed my interest. It was enough of an incentive for me to master the piano accordion. I branched out into other keyboard instruments. I pestered my parents to purchase an organ.

My mother’s church asked if I’d accompany the congregation for Sunday hymns. And still, it wasn’t enough. I purchased a piano and took lessons and formal examinations. Gone were the days of tedious practice. There was a world of music to explore. And each discovery unlocked more doors.

The anxiety lifts when I sit at a piano. That’s before I touch a key. I plan my practices, knowing what I want to achieve with each one. Does anyone listen? Not really, although I have played in public.

I used music in every classroom I set foot in.

Do you need to push your child into learning an instrument? Go for it if that’s your thing. Remember, commitment works both ways. Parental commitment is as vital as the child’s.

Listening to music takes a lesser commitment.