Just like there are many things you can do improve as a musician, there are others that will easily make your skills suffer. In this thread, Drooble users discussed several not-do’s that all musicians should avoid if they want to keep their skills and motivation in check. Are you dealing with any of these? Read the article and let us know what you think. Or even better – join Drooble and participate in the discussion with your own creative know-how!

1. Thinking too much about what the audience likes

Too many musicians out there care too much what the audience will think and compromise their craft. You can’t make a career out of fan service and trying to please everyone, because it never works out. So stick to what comes from the inside and be prepared to polarize people with your art. It’s always a good thing, because it provokes discussion and notoriety! Those who like it will stick around for more, while those who don’t or are simply neutral will move along. In the end, isn’t that best for everyone involved?

Tip by Amir Nir

2. Taking long brakes

Taking a long break from music might be just what you need to recharge your creative batteries – sometimes. But it’s not going to make you a better musician. Rather, you are more likely to lose progress and stagnate. Practicing and composing regularly is what successful, prolific musicians do to stay inspired, sharp, and on point. You should be the same.

Tip by Simonas G Monssun and Alexander Mantush

3. Mimicking someone else’s art

Being unoriginal and derivative instead of creative may win over some people, but it’s never going to feel musically rewarding. As much as you are influenced by someone, you must find it in yourself to put your own creative spin on the familiar concept. Otherwise, you will be called out for your lack of originality and you won’t grow as a musician, but rather as a copy artist. You are probably not going to be very proud of yourself this way.

Tip by Kaceo Spades

4. Applying too much theoretical knowledge

If you strive to make theoretically perfect music, it will sound like a computer made it out of mathematical algorithms. Instead, play and compose using your ears and heart, while letting theory guide you into creating polished, clever compositions that make for memorable pieces of music. Remember, theory exists to analyze music and understand why it works – while it’s an indispensible songwriting tool, it’s not meant to be used as a crutch.

Tip by Tina Zh

5. Being overly critical of yourself

Being critical of yourself is good, in the right amounts. If you criticize your music to the point you never feel it’s good enough, you will lose all motivation and likely make the world miss out on some perfectly fine music of yours. It’s important to know where to draw the line and just ‘know’ that a piece of music is finished and good to go.

How do you get to that point, though? Listen to someone else doing music in your style. Ask your friends for opinion or reassurance. Read this post on Drooble. You’ll get it in no time!

Tip by Mary Toolan