[musicflower16]

I posted a thread a few days ago discussing my stress problem. And I feel that one of the causes that stresses me most is my violin.
I'm currently in high school and going into gr. 11 tomorrow actually.
I think I've been playing my violin since grade 3. In the beginning I did moderately enjoy playing it and now I just don't enjoy it anymore.
Yes, I've considered quitting lots of times but I just think I'm being an uncommitted person.
I do have some committment issues (NOT relationship-wise) so I've even gotten a pet bird to get some sense of responsibility.
SOO.... getting to the point.. should I quit violin? I really really don't enjoy it. Every lesson I have to go to, I have a dreaded feeling even from the very morning. I just don't want to seem like I have no responsibility and committment.

[TheWell]

How about instead of quitting, taking a break. It would be a shame to give it up after all those years but burn out is a real thing. Just take a break. A few months or a year... Until you want to pick it back up again.

[musicflower16]

I'll try that break method. Thanks Hopefully my parents will understand. The thing is (just realized) though my mom had to go somewhere for almost 2 months and she wasn't able to drive me to the violin lessons (to which I secretly yelled YES) and now that I'm starting the lessons again, I really don't want to start violin again.

[TheWell]

Glad I could help I'm a musician too

[summerblueskies]

Originally Posted by musicflower16

I posted a thread a few days ago discussing my stress problem. And I feel that one of the causes that stresses me most is my violin.
I'm currently in high school and going into gr. 11 tomorrow actually.
I think I've been playing my violin since grade 3. In the beginning I did moderately enjoy playing it and now I just don't enjoy it anymore.
Yes, I've considered quitting lots of times but I just think I'm being an uncommitted person.
I do have some committment issues (NOT relationship-wise) so I've even gotten a pet bird to get some sense of responsibility.
SOO.... getting to the point.. should I quit violin? I really really don't enjoy it. Every lesson I have to go to, I have a dreaded feeling even from the very morning. I just don't want to seem like I have no responsibility and committment.

So you have been playing 8 years, that alone proves commitment, I would say. Take a break for a couple months, then see if you missed it and want to go back. If not, that is okay. Just don't do something if it makes you unhappy.

Also, don't be surprised if there is some backlash from the parents. They might well feel like the time and money invested has been wasted. But in the end, its really your choice.

[musicflower16]

Thank you for the replies! Still considering if I should keep going or stop.. Hopefully I'll decide soon ...

[Blue_Bird]

I played violin for 5 years, and plan on picking it back up again soon I agree with TheWell

[hvert]

Doing something for eight years and then stopping because you no longer enjoy it as much does not show a lack of commitment - it shows that your interests have changed over the years!

I played violin from 3rd grade until 10th. I do not regret quitting the orchestra.

[guilloche]

I completely agree with taking a break. Sometimes a break is just enough to let you refresh your mind, get away from something a bit... and then sort of fall in love with it again.

If you want to keep at it, you might think about whether you'd benefit from a new teacher (different perspective), or if you can change up your music. I'm studying piano, and sometimes when I'm depressed or bored, finding music that I really love (even if it's something silly or pop music) can make a huge difference. (I'm currently working on the "Everybody Loves Raymond" theme music!)

And... I have to say... the fact that you've stuck with it for 8 years really DOES show that you ARE able to commit and stick with something. It's much different than quitting after 2 months! After 8 years, I assume that alot of what you learned will be easily regained, even if you take a break for a couple *years*.

Good luck, and I hope you can find something you love, that brings you joy and happiness, whether it's music... or something else!

[pegasus]

Yes, no harm in taking a break, you won't lose the skill, once you've learnt to play you never forget and if you don't enjoy it anymore (at this time) there is no point.

[cool09]

I've played classical, electric guitar on and off the last 35 years. I dropped it several times then re-discovered it again. I think I finally understand how to approach the electric after 30 years from watching some players and studying theory more in-depth. I can't live without music. I think I have periods where I get carried away with it which I can't decide is good or bad. Playing a musical instrument teaches you lots of things, it's a good way to spend time and it's good for concentration. I guess the best way to get thru life is thru moderation which is an art in itself and takes practice.

[sickmonkey]

Maybe you would enjoy another instrument more. How about guitar? Or, better yet drums. Music has so many different elements to choose from. Don't quit though.

[Dx1347]

It won't hurt at all for you to take a break. Sometimes it helps to get away from it. I have played violin since I was 6, and i started learning other instruments when I was your age. Took a long break from it and eventually came back to it with a renewed love for the instrument. You might enjoy trying another instrument. I'd highly recommend the ukulele, as it is less complicated than guitar, but it's a lot of fun and easy to learn.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

I think a break could be in order. Why do you not like it and dread it? Were you pushed into it? You may make a decision that you'll regret for the rest of your life. Music is a wonderful thing.

Originally Posted by cool09

I've played classical, electric guitar on and off the last 35 years. I dropped it several times then re-discovered it again. I think I finally understand how to approach the electric after 30 years from watching some players and studying theory more in-depth. I can't live without music. I think I have periods where I get carried away with it which I can't decide is good or bad. Playing a musical instrument teaches you lots of things, it's a good way to spend time and it's good for concentration. I guess the best way to get thru life is thru moderation which is an art in itself and takes practice.

Yeah, I'm with you on this. Music helps me a lot. I'm a guitarist myself, but give it up? EEK. I sorta gave up the electric, and went with the acoustic, following some kind of breakdown in my early 20s. Blues and classical, primarly.