If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, perhaps you’ve fallen into one of these common keyboardist traps.
These aren’t the only things that might be stopping your progress, but these 4 are the most common ones I’ve seen.
Keep reading and get unstuck.
You invest more in gear than in musicality
I love an awesome piece of gear. And, just like many musicians, I love a good deal on VSTs, and sometimes drool over a new audio effect.
HOWEVER
These things are just tools. Next time you find yourself trying to “Improve your sound” with a new patch, instrument, or audio effect, count up the cost.
Remember, tools were created for the musician, not musicians for the tools.
Your sound will improve exponentially by taking that 60, 300, or 3000 dollars, and investing it into some musical development. Lessons and conferences are a great place to start.
Even an extremely experienced player can benefit immensely from another set of ears.
You spend too much time on software programming and not enough time on part playing
The best set up in the world will not compensate for lack of preparation on the playing front end.
When you are preparing for a live set, make sure you dedicate enough time to mastering parts the same way you probably dedicate a good amount of time to getting your set up and patches to feel right.
Both things are important here.
But your set up means very little without the preparation behind it to back it up.
If you need help figuring out what your options are for a live setlist, here are three options for a killer live set up.
You Have No Clear Direction
What are you trying to accomplish on your musical journey?
Have you ever taken stock of the things you do well, and the areas you can improve?
Growth isn’t accidental: Progress comes through intentionality.
Want to see immediate growth?
Make a plan
Think about one of your big musical challenges and write it down.
For example, you might write, “My chord voicings don’t sound as full as I’d like”
Then write underneath that sentence who you are becoming. “My chord voicings are full and connected.”
Spend a little time every day on it, and jot down what you’ve done.
Progress is made over time, not immediately- so as you spend time intentionally growing, remember that you will reap the benefits of your practice time forever, even if you don’t feel immediately changed.
You Aren’t Part Of A Musical Community
Being around other musicians, especially ones that are better than you, make you a better musician.
Not only that, but it will help you stay inspired.
Don’t fall into the pitfall of comparing yourself to others, or talking bad about yourself.
Get excited about what others are doing and share what you are doing as well.
This type of accountability is going to help you grow, just by proxy.
It’s best to find a physical community, but if that isn’t possible for you, check out my Ableton course that will give you a ton of great tips on preparation, set up, and programming, and patchwork.
Don’t Give Up
Mastering anything is a lifetime endeavor.
Enjoy the process.
Ready to dig into something? Start by creating a great piano patch that will make you want to play even more.