Growing as a Musician: Progress Isn't Linear
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert) · Solo episode
Listen
Topics discussed
Host note
"The second that you're making music that feels easy is the second that you're making bad music." That line is the whole episode in one sentence, but getting there takes some unpacking.
I use a running analogy (borrowed from my girlfriend, who actually runs marathons) to explain why most days of practice don't feel like progress. Your body, and your brain, is being rewired. A scuba diving analogy covers the acclimation part: discomfort isn't a signal to stop, it's the signal that the adaptation is happening.
What you take away is a clearer picture of why growth feels like regression, why some days you wake up worse than the day before, and why that's exactly what you should expect.
Selected moments
- Understanding Progress Isn't Linear 0:50 I discuss how my girlfriend, a runner, taught me that progress is not a straightforward path.
- The Importance of Discomfort in Training 2:21 I explain that most training doesn't feel like a progression as you constantly push your limits.
- Overcoming Mental Barriers in Learning 4:34 I share a scuba diving analogy to illustrate the importance of acclimating to discomfort for growth.
- Physical Rewiring during Learning 8:18 I describe the mental adjustments required in learning an instrument, likening it to reprogramming the brain.
- The Painful Yet Rewarding Nature of Progress 9:49 I reflect on how true progress often feels painful and frustrating before reaping its rewards.
- Creative Growth Over Time 11:16 I emphasize the importance of change and growth in an artist's progression over the years.
Selected excerpts
The reality is most of the runs are not even going to feel like a progression...
Some days you're going to wake up and you're going to be worse than the day before...
The goal is... to find that zone, and if you don't find that zone, you're going to slip between the cracks.
Learning is painful but it's worth it in the same way that exercise is worth it.
The second that you're making music that feels easy is the second that you're making bad music.
FAQ
What challenges do musicians face during their growth process?
Musicians often encounter moments of stagnation, frustration, and discomfort as they navigate their artistic journey.
How can music progress be measured?
Progress in music is often nonlinear and can feel painful; true growth is identified through milestones rather than constant improvement.
What is the role of discomfort in learning music?
Embracing discomfort is essential as it signifies pushing one's limits and is necessary for genuine growth in music.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.