At this point in the semester, students of all disciplines have reached a state of exhaustion.
In the Conservatory, whether in the thick of rehearsals, performances or final projects, students are experiencing artistic burnout.
If you relate to this, it’s critical to refocus the mindset you have on assignments and classes.
A key strategy many use is to find motivation by reflecting on the progress already made. This will inspire or encourage the progress you continue to make.
Yet, despite the blood, sweat and tears students have put into their art, so many struggle to see any improvement. Perhaps you look back at an old performance video, just to discover you recently sang that piece the same way.
Immediately your mind questions, why have I not improved? Have I learned anything here? Is this worth it?
Slow down.
Improvement is not linear. It takes extended periods of time to see progress in any craft. That does not mean you are not improving. You are simply looking for improvement at too large of a scale.
If you feel stuck in terms of growth, inspect closer. Evaluate the amount of effort you put into your work. Confirm that you are working consistently enough to enable results. Then, continue to apply these learning strategies. Exercising, applying corrections, managing nerves – these are all tiny steps towards improvement.
It’s also important to acknowledge how you work as an artist. If you are in a challenging environment, think of how a past version of yourself may have handled this. By deciding you are capable because you have coped with something similarly in the past, you are experiencing improvement.
Redefining improvement as an artist is the first step to success. When a dancer kicks their leg it might only be four degrees higher than it was a few years ago. Yet, they understand how to engage their muscles better for a more properly executed kick. This is an improvement.
Scaling down to focus on mindset shifts or physical alterations will eventually lead to a transformation as an artist. Keep pushing.
