V.com weekend vote: What motivates you in your practice?
For our weekend vote this week, I wanted to look at motivation, and how different kinds of motivation drive each of us.
Illustration by Violinist.com.
This vote was inspired by longtime V.commer Sander Marcus , who - beyond bringing humor to our discussions on this website for the past 20 years - also happens to be a licensed clinical psychologist.
We all have our reasons for playing the violin or other stringed instrument, but what is the main thing that keeps you going? What makes you continue to practice, continue to play, what motivates you?
Sander has broken down this idea in terms of psychology - the "elements of motivation" - and also relating them to music. Have a look at these descriptions and see which one you best relate to (and don't think too hard, just go with your gut!)
- Vision - motivation based on end goals - envisioning achieving the goal or artistic vision
- Inner Drive - motivation based on an internal push or need to achieve
- Strategy - motivation to create a plan: specific do-able steps like exercises, specific choice of repertoire, etc.
- Action - motivation based on the need to take action, to get things done.
Of course, we find our greatest success when we work with all of these aspects of motivation, but what is the one that drives you most these days? Please participate in the vote and then tell us about your sources of motivation in the comments.
You might also like:
- How to Embrace the Discomfort of Striving
- Violinist Robert Gillespie: Motivating the Adolescent
- A Psychologist's Tips for Practicing
Thank you to Sander Marcus for this idea for this week's vote! If you have an idea for the Weekend Vote, please e-mail Laurie!
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Replies
Ummmm…I like to eat and pay bills?
Also what Steve said.
I do think this is a good question but perhaps responses should be divided into amateur/professional? For a number of years, my practicing was motivated by the desire to win a job (or a better job).
I left out two important motivators- “fear,” and “pay the bills…” !
Steve, that sounds like inner drive!
Everyone: Thank you for your comments. My focus was really on positive motivations, but no problems with the additions. And, Laurie, thank you again. This website is really something. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm not sure that there is any other musically oriented discussion posting like violinist.com.
I voted for Action. Action is eloquence said Shakespeare.
The process of improving motivates me. Incremental improvements, baby steps - it all adds up.
I like the concept of being our habits. My identity would be too lacking if I didn’t practice. I never have to force myself because it is a kind of meditation for me. These days I sometimes even just do half an hour of tone exercises. That isn’t going to stretch my artistic growth but I am quite happy just luxuriating in the fiddle with no more obligation to compete. Also, I try to maintain my playing because I charge my students money. I would feel like a hypocrite if I nagged them about daily practice but couldn’t do it myself…
for a whole hour I stop thinking about the problems of the world and concentrate on something else
I just love the sounds.
My bills are covered by retirement (not from performing: I stopped being full tome decades ago) so I play for love, and, as any lover knows, you want to be your best person and do what it takes.
I just love the sounds.
My bills are covered by retirement (not from performing: I stopped being full tome decades ago) so I play for love, and, as any lover knows, you want to be your best person and do what it takes.
I get motivated to practice because I have goals to learn certain pieces and techniques. I also want to join a youth orchestra which is what motivates me to practice.
apocryphal (?) story; A journalist interviewed Pablo Casals, when he was in his 90s. As was his habit, he was playing something from the Bach Cello Suites. The reporter asked something like " You are not doing any more concerts, so why are you still practicing?" The answer was " Lately I have noticed some improvement".
At age ___ I now mostly play for my own amazement.
Great responses. And all sound like they come from the heart. And if it is indeed possible to identify and communicate one's inner motivation, would that be something that in some appropriate form should be included in violin lessons or other musical activities?
For me it's all about maintaining what I have achieved. At 77 I'm one of the "Senior" Musicians. Playing music is a joy to me. However, progressive osteoarthritis diminishes my abilities. I lost the ability to play above fourth position some time ago. Lots of "rep" in first and third positions though. So, I keep playing. Also helping aspiring beginners to become competent playing in first and third positions before passing them along to teachers who will take them beyond the foundational skills.
Yet, someday I know that I will put my violin in its case for the final time someday. Until then I try to make time every day to just play the music I enjoy.
“Vision” comes nearest for me, although “Inner Drive” is another factor. My childhood ambition was to become a professional symphony player. I majored in performance and put in a load of practice hours while growing up. At 21, though, I decided not to go into this occupation after all. As a listener, I still love hearing orchestral rep; but as a player, I grew to prefer small chamber and solo rep - content to be a serious amateur instead of an aspiring pro.
Practice helps me maintain finesse. Then, if anyone asks me to play for them, I’m confident that I can do so, because I’m in shape for it.
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March 2, 2025 at 10:40 PM · Actually none of the above. I play because I love music - is that OK?