Even when we’re not in the midst of physical distancing and a sea of canceled events, everyone struggles with low motivation from time to time. But you don’t have to bend to the whim of motivation; instead, you can cultivate it consciously. Here’s the recipe to keep motivation flowing: 

feel capable + connected + empowered with choice.

If your musical activities provide you with just one or two of these feelings, you’ll probably notice a slump in your drive to play music. But if you strike a balance between the three, you increase your chances to feel engaged, satisfied, and passionate about your musical life. 

What can you do to get a mix of these three elements in your fiddling? Check out the categories below to get some ideas.

To feel connected:

  • Play music at home with your family
  • Start a music listening group
  • Attend or host a (virtual) jam (you can join our Fiddle School virtual jam here!)
  • Start a fiddle club (learn each other’s tunes, learn a tune together, practice playing guitar with each other, etc.)
  • Attend a (virtual) camp
  • Participate in a group class (check out our webinars here!)
  • Start a musical book club (take a look at the recommended reading list in the Fiddle Lounge for inspiration)

To feel capable:

  • Start using a practice journal (here’s how)
  • Do a 30-day practice challenge (you can use our habit hacks to help you along the way)
  • Take some fiddle lessons (read some ways to play better at lessons)
  • Write a song
  • Reinvent your practice routine (here’s how)
  • Enter a fiddle contest
  • Post a video in our Fiddle School Facebook community
  • Learn a new tune or technique
  • Find a fiddle buddy and help each other progress

To feel empowered with choice:

  • Attend a music camp that looks exciting to you
  • Learn a new tune that you like
  • Learn something on a different instrument (e.g. try learning some rhythm guitar)
  • Host your own music gathering (here’s how)
  • Read about music subjects that interest you (musicology, learning strategies, different styles, etc.)
  • Choose three ways to actively participate in music each month (for example, “this month, I will attend the virtual jam, meet with my fiddle buddy, and post a video to an online group)
  • Join/form a musical group or orchestra that you’ve always dreamed of being part of
  • Attend live music (or watch it virtually)
  • Go busking (play in public)
  • Play for people in need (in normal times, playing for retirement homes or hospitals is a great way to share. Right now, consider sharing with an organization online, like a church or another social nonprofit)
  • Teach your kids or grandkids a fiddle tune

These are just some of the many ways you can cultivate feelings of connection, capability, and choice in your musical life. When you create balance between these three elements, you’ll be amazed how your motivation grows and your fiddling feels more fulfilling.