The Expectation for Perfection Among Musicians

“Every note has to be perfect.” She said, with trembling hands. Music is often depicted as beautiful, touching, and expressive. However, musicians are known to be held frequently under a high standard. Without strong time management skills, it’s almost inevitable that they will crack under the pressure to be the best. It’s extremely prevalent for musicians to expect perfection all the time, and unfortunately, that is simply unachievable. 

But first, what causes this expectation? 

There are numerous answers to this question. Nonetheless, one reason stands out: music being performance based. In live performances, it’s much easier for people to notice small mistakes like a simple incorrect note or chord. Audiences expect a flawless performance since music is portrayed by many as a refined art form, meaning it’s a skill that needs a high level of attention to detail. 

Moreover, a majority of musicians grow up competing for spots in places like orchestras or colleges. This can further enforce the belief that a single performance immediately determines your worth as a musician or whether or not you’re even deserving to perform. This constant evaluation of yourself can eventually result in imposter syndrome–self doubt despite accomplishments–, overworking yourself, and anxiety. Instead of enjoying the process of music, many begin to even fear it. To combat this fear, numerous musicians will cope by practicing and practicing without rest, causing burnout. 

Burnout: what is it? 

It’s known as a state of extreme tiredness due to prolonged amounts of stress. However, burnout is much deeper than that. Some individuals may just describe it as “stress” but burnout and stress are two very different things. Stress is caused by too much. Too much work, responsibilities, and pressure. Burnout is caused by too little. Too little rest, care, and motivation.  Eventually, stress can result in burnout when it becomes prolonged. Anyone can have burnout. It’s not medically diagnosed but can be detrimental to both your physical and mental health if left unacknowledged and untreated. 

So, how do you avoid this?

When musicians or even anyone overwork themselves without rest, it can eventually result in burnout. Fortunately, there are many solutions to combat this.

1. Rest

I cannot stress the importance of rest. The lack of rest or breaks can directly impact your mental health and even negatively affect your performance in school or even the orchestra. Rest is necessary to your brain because it allows it to decompress or essentially recover from the pressure in daily life. 

2. Practice Mindfulness

Many individuals have stated that mindfulness–meditation, deep breathing, and journaling–have directly improved both their mental and physical health. Mindfulness helps people focus on the present moment, which believe it or not, nearly everyone struggles with staying in the moment.

3. Exercise

Exercise is so important to avoid burnout and many individuals overlook that. When you’re stressed, taking even just a short 10 minute walk in your neighborhood can improve your mood. This is because exercise releases endorphins in your brain. Physical movement can also relax your muscles and release tension in your body. 

Make sure to take care of your body and health by resting: you deserve it. 

References: 

Brennan, D. (2020, December 3). Burnout: Symptoms and signs. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/burnout-symptoms-signs 

Health, R. B. (2024, August 14). Benefits of rest for mental health. Rogers Behavioral Health. https://rogersbh.org/blog/benefits-rest-mental-health

American Psychological Association. (2019, October 30). Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation 

Robinson, L., Segal, J., & Smith, M. (2018, November 3). The mental health benefits of exercise. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/fitness/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise