Dear Alma, Covid killed my playing

From our agony aunt:

Dear Alma,

My 2nd and 3rd year of college was during Covid. I play a wind instrument. It was very tough to improve during those years, and even after that I had to play with a strange mask on. I took a couple of years off and worked in a restaurant. My confidence is at an all-time low, and I feel like I missed out on years of technical improvement and performance experience. Other, younger players sound better than me. I want to go back to get a higher degree but I am frozen.

Alma, help?

Dear help?

The Pandemic, in its original form, is now over. This does not mean that the effects, from health (mental and physical) to missed opportunity, are not still with us. And will be, in varying degrees, with us or people we know for the rest of our lives.

Help?, I would suggest several things.

First, take some time to think deeply about what you want to do with your life. Reading your letter, I sense a lack of desire and warmth towards your instrument. Yes – go for a degree, but maybe this is a perfect time to pivot. You are still young and there are many things you are capable of.

Second, if your instrument is what you want to pursue, reach out to a former teacher and have a couple of lessons as well as ask them for help in making a list of potential schools to apply for.

Third, in your letter you come across as quite isolated. Contact old school friends, join a support group, reach out to family. It’s terrific that you want to get back in the game, and having a support network is important for you at this stage.

Help?, you are at a pivot in your life. It’s a great moment to reassess your priorities and dreams for what life can hold for you. Dream big and take a chance. You won’t regret it.

Questions for Alma? Please put them in the comments section or send to DearAlmaQuery@gmail.com

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