In my previous post, “When Piano Practice Becomes the Reward“, I shared how reversing my piano practice routine to start with what I genuinely enjoy brought a renewed sense of joy to my practice. This shift led me to another realization.

As I continue practicing these songs, I’m finding how challenging it is to value my practice for its intrinsic worth alone, as my logical mind constantly searches for a purpose. It urges me to frame my practice in a way that is easily explainable to others.

“I am practicing this because it could make a good YouTube video. I could publish the sheet music for this piece, or perform it in a concert… or maybe just an Instagram reel.”

Yet, this ease of explanation also tends to diminish the depth of my practice.

This inner call to practice or to make music doesn’t like to be neatly categorized or diminished by easy explanations. When I rush to articulate my motivations too soon, it feels as though I’m exposing something precious to harsh light, which prevents the maturity and richness that could develop from a more patient and introspective work.

So, my advice to myself—and perhaps to you, if you find yourself in similar circumstances—is to respect the unknown that lies within our creative processes. We should allow it to unfold naturally, safeguarding it from the constraints of cheap goals and external expectations and validations.

Love,
David