Need some advice from veteran music major parents and those going through the process with us now. My D attended an excellent music camp this summer. While it was a truly wonderful experience, it has introduced a new element to this already complicated process: self-doubt.
While some aspects of playing seem to come naturally to her, my D is also a very hard worker. So far, she has been able to meet or exceed goals and expectations. Where we live, she has always been somewhat of a big fish in a little pond. I think she has the potential to swim in the big pond, but I also want to be realistic and to provide her with the best advice and support I can.
Attending a high level music camp this summer (between sophomore and junior years in HS) was easily the "best week of (her) life!", but I think it may also have been somewhat of a wake up call. The level of play was much higher across the board, and, suddenly, she wasn't necessarily at the top of the group. She is someone who likes to be challenged, and to have a goal to chase, but somehow this experience seemed to shake her (at least temporarily) more than motivate her.
Despite the fact the she was, to my untrained ear, able to keep up with those in her group, the experience definitely introduced a level of self-doubt I haven't seen before. Some of the kids at camp were older than her, attend performing arts schools, study with the best teachers, etc., but she's having a hard time keeping that in perspective. 'If there were that many good players at (name of camp), how many must there be around the country waiting to apply to the same schools I am?!? How could I ever possibly hope to get a job in the classical music world?'
Like many musicians, my D tends toward perfectionism. I'm wondering if her current bout of self doubt is part of the normal progression of things, part of an important reality check, or maybe just part of being 16?
Anyone else experience this, and what do you recommend?
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