Embracing Confidence In Music: Playing With What You Know

Do you ever find yourself hesitating to share your musical talents because you feel like you’re not good enough? You’re not alone. Many individuals, even those with basic skills, struggle with confidence when it comes to presenting themselves musically. They believe they need to master every chord voicing, piano fill, and embellishment before they can truly express themselves through music. But here’s the truth: confidence as a performer doesn’t come from mastering every technique – it comes from embracing and utilizing what you already know.

Recently, I had the opportunity to create a video session titled Creative Cocktail Piano: Mastering The Art With Basic Chords. While the session provides effective easy-to-implement techniques for piano enthusiasts, I want to emphasize a crucial point that extends beyond the realm of piano playing: the importance of confidence in your current musical abilities.

Get The Video Session

It’s understandable to want to expand your musical repertoire and learn new strategies. Growth and learning are essential components of any musician’s journey. However, it’s equally important to recognize the value of what you already possess. Your current skill set is the foundation upon which you can build your musical identity.

Confidence isn’t about showcasing a perfect performance every time; it’s about embracing your unique style and expressing yourself authentically. When you play with confidence, your audience can feel the passion and authenticity in your music. Remember, it’s not always about what you know, but how you use what you know to connect with others through music.

So, how can you start embracing confidence in your musical journey today?

1. Appreciate Your Current Level: Take a moment to acknowledge your current skill level and the progress you’ve made so far. Reflect on the journey that brought you to where you are today. Every musician, regardless of their level, has something unique to offer. Embrace your strengths and recognize that they are a vital part of your musical identity. Your confidence in music that you perform depends on this. Celebrate the small victories along the way, whether it’s mastering a new chord or playing a piece without stumbling. By appreciating your current level, you build a solid foundation for future growth and development.
2. Play with Passion: Music is a form of expression, and passion is the fuel that drives it. Instead of focusing solely on technical perfection, channel your energy into playing with emotion and enthusiasm. Allow yourself to connect with the music on a deeper level and let your emotions guide your performance. Whether you’re playing a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat jazz tune, infuse every note with your passion and personality. When you play with passion, your music becomes more than just notes on a page – it becomes a reflection of your innermost thoughts and feelings.
3. Embrace Imperfection: This is an important one. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection, but the truth is, perfection is an illusion. Every musician, no matter how skilled, makes mistakes from time to time. Instead of fearing imperfection, embrace it as a natural part of the learning process. Understand that making mistakes is not a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity for growth and improvement. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and allow yourself to take risks and explore new musical territory. By embracing imperfection, you free yourself from the constraints of self-doubt and fear, allowing your creativity to flourish.
4. Share Your Music: One of the most effective ways to build confidence as a musician (professional or not) is to share your music with others. Whether it’s performing for friends and family, playing at open mic nights, or sharing your recordings online, sharing your music allows you to connect with an audience and receive valuable feedback. Don’t let fear hold you back—instead, embrace the opportunity to share your unique musical voice with the world. Remember that every performance is a chance to learn and grow as a musician, regardless of the outcome. By sharing your music, you not only gain confidence in your abilities but also inspire and uplift others with your talent and passion.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: This just might be the most important one of all. As you embark on your musical journey, remember to be kind to yourself along the way. Learning an instrument takes time and dedication, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Instead of being overly critical of yourself, practice self-compassion and treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. By practicing self-compassion, you cultivate a positive mindset that allows you to approach music with joy and enthusiasm, rather than fear and self-doubt.

As you continue your musical journey, remember that confidence is not something you acquire overnight – it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. Embrace your unique musical voice, play with passion, and share your music with the world. Your audience can’t wait to hear you shine.

So, the next time you sit down at your piano, remember: you have everything you need to make beautiful music right now. Start playing, start expressing, and start embracing the confident musician within you. Your musical journey begins not with mastering every technique yet to be discovered by you, but with appreciating and utilizing what you already know.