Anyone who's ever dipped their toes into the world of the arts knows it's difficult, and also that difficult isn't a strong enough word to describe it. Whether you're into graphic arts, theater, music, or something else within the realm, the entire premise of your existence is a comparison. How "talented" you are.
When I started music school almost two years ago, I had very little formal training. While my peers had taken years of music theory in high school, I had taken one year of it and had only learned the most basic concepts.
Others had been taking private lessons on their primary instrument since they were in first grade, while I had only started a few years prior.
Music theory, in particular, was hard for me, and after I took my first-semester final exam, I convinced myself that I had failed. I left the classroom and immediately went to the bathroom to panic.
After calming myself down as much as I could, I went back to the classroom to express my concerns to my teacher. This was a class, that if I failed, would already put me an entire year behind in my studies (not an exaggeration).
My professor was kind enough to grade my exam quickly, and inform me that I would be getting an A. During the semester I was so absorbed in comparing my skills other people, I didn't realize how much I had learned and grown in my musical abilities.
I was so absorbed in how much "better" the more mature singers around me were, that I missed out on how much progress my own voice had made during that first year.
At that time, I didn't realize that there would always be people better than me, but I was still there for a reason. I had auditioned just like everyone else and had also gotten in. I had a golden opportunity that not many other people get: to pursue my love for music and eventually use it to help others as a music therapist.
So here's some advice for the burned out, frustrated, defeated arts student: focus on growth rather than comparison, and do things that remind you why you decided to pursue art school in the first place.
Don't throw your self-care practices out the window to finish a recording or an essay. You won't be able to do your best work if you're mentally and/or physically exhausted: trust me.
Listen to your favorite music or plan a jam session with your friends "just because". Create something for yourself, that has nothing to do with class.
Audition for a community production that's being performed for fun, not for a grade or for money. Discover a new artist that reignites your passion and inspires you to continue. Branch out of your school and join a club or get a job that has nothing to do with the arts. Maybe even start a brand-new hobby.
Last but not least: please, please remember that you are talented, and you are worthy. It might be tough now, but you are on your way to doing amazing things. Opportunities that you can't even imagine are coming your way. Keep your head up and stay on that grind.
