Why After 10 Years of Playing Saxophone Do I Feel Detached?

After a decade of dedicated practice, it’s not uncommon to feel a shift in your enjoyment of playing the saxophone. This can be attributed to several factors, each of which can impact your passion for the instrument. Understanding these factors and taking steps to address them can help you reignite your love for the sax.

Burnout

After many years of relentless practice, it’s common to experience fatigue or burnout. This can happen when you push yourself too hard or when the process of playing becomes more of a chore than a joyful activity. Reflexing on how you practice and adjusting your routine can help mitigate burnout. Consider taking regular breaks, varying your practice sessions, and finding ways to make your practice more engaging. For example, you could try playing different styles of music, practicing with a band or ensemble, or even exploring improvisation.

Lack of Challenge

When you reach a high level of proficiency, it’s natural to find that the music you play becomes less challenging or less exciting. This lack of challenge can lead to a sense of boredom or disengagement. To combat this, set new goals. Challenge yourself to learn advanced techniques, explore different genres, or even start composing your own music. These new challenges can keep you engaged and motivated, allowing you to reconnect with the excitement of making music.

Monotony in Playing

If you find yourself playing the same pieces or practicing the same exercises repeatedly, monotony can set in. This can lead to a loss of enthusiasm and a feeling that playing the saxophone is no longer a rewarding experience. To break the monotony, try introducing variety into your practice routine. Playing with other musicians, experimenting with different styles, or even taking a saxophone workshop can provide new ideas and energize your practice. Variety in your practice can help you rediscover the joy and excitement of playing the saxophone.

External Factors

External factors such as work, relationships, or health can significantly impact your enjoyment of playing. Stress from work or time constraints may make it harder to find pleasure in your practice. Reflect on how these external factors are affecting your motivation and consider ways to manage them, such as scheduling your practice sessions around your work or personal life. Prioritizing self-care and finding ways to reduce stress can greatly improve your overall enjoyment of playing the saxophone.

Community and Connection

Sharing your music with others can make the experience much more enjoyable. If you’ve lost touch with your musical community or haven’t played with others in a while, consider joining a band, ensemble, or local music group. Playing with others can provide a sense of connection and shared joy, which can help reignite your passion for the saxophone. Engaging in group performances or collaborations can also challenge you in new and exciting ways, keeping you motivated and engaged.

Emotional Connection

Reflect on why you started playing the saxophone in the first place. Reconnecting with the emotional aspects of music and the feelings of joy it brings can help rekindle your love for the instrument. Whether it’s the excitement of performing, the simple pleasure of playing, or the sense of accomplishment from mastering a difficult piece, these emotional connections can be powerful motivators.

Revitalizing Your Interest

To regain your enjoyment and passion for the saxophone, consider taking a break from it for a while. Exploring new music, trying a different instrument, or even stepping away from the sax for a short period can help you see it with fresh eyes. Engaging with music in a new and different way might reignite your love for the saxophone. If you find that the saxophone is not bringing you the joy it once did, it may be time to explore other musical interests or switch to a new instrument. Playing saxophone now for 50 years, I’ve taken up electric bass guitar in 1991, clarinet in 1980, flute in 1979, piano in 1967, and drums in 1974. You gotta do what you gotta do; someday you may return to the saxophone, or maybe not. But whatever path you choose, it’s important to do what feels fulfilling and enjoyable for you.