Bridging the Gap Between Taste and Skill as a Musician: How to Work Through Frustration

Every musician, whether just starting out or working through the intermediate stage, faces a familiar challenge: the gap between your taste and your skill. Often, your taste – what you love and appreciate in music – is highly developed long before your technical abilities can match it. You hear beautiful, intricate pieces that move you deeply, but when you try to play or create, the sound doesn’t quite hit the mark. This gap between what you love and what you’re able to produce can be deeply frustrating and disheartening.

However, this phase is a natural and essential part of your journey as a musician. The good news is, by recognizing the gap and managing it mindfully, you can not only avoid burnout but actually turn this phase into a period of growth and inspiration.

Understanding the Gap Between Taste and Skill

As a musician, your taste refers to the kind of music that resonates with you – songs, sounds, and styles that stir something inside you. Your taste is often more mature because you’ve been exposed to music for years, whether as a listener or fan. You know what great music sounds like, and you have a vision for the kind of music you want to create.

Your skill, on the other hand, is your current ability to play or create that music. This is where the gap emerges: your musical taste far surpasses your ability to execute it. You might hear complex chords, rhythms, or melodies in your head, but when you try to bring them to life, the results feel clunky or unpolished. And because you know what “good” music sounds like, it’s easy to be hyper-aware of the gap and start doubting your abilities.

THE ALCHEMY OF MUSIC

Your taste evolves faster than your skill, but that gap is part of the journey every musician must navigate.

Managing Expectations: Giving Yourself Permission to be a Beginner

One of the most important things to do during this phase is to manage your own inner expectations. It’s easy to get frustrated and critical when your skills don’t measure up to your vision, but it’s vital to remind yourself that everyone starts somewhere. Even the most accomplished musicians once had to work through this gap between taste and skill.

Here are some strategies to help you manage your expectations and work through this phase with more compassion:

1. Recognize the Growth Process:
   Every musician goes through a learning curve, and skill doesn’t develop overnight. It’s essential to understand that learning an instrument or honing your musical abilities is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself. Remember that every time you practice, you’re inching closer to where you want to be, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

2. Separate Taste from Skill (for Now):
   It’s okay to acknowledge that your skill may not yet meet your taste – but that’s part of the journey. Instead of letting the gap discourage you, use your taste as a guidepost for where you’re headed. Keep in mind that your taste will always be evolving, but so will your skill. With consistent effort, the gap will start to close.

3. Celebrate Small Wins:
   Focus on progress, not perfection. When you make small improvements – whether you master a tricky chord, memorize a song, or improve your rhythm – take a moment to acknowledge that. These small wins build confidence and remind you that you are growing as a musician, even if the big leap you’re aiming for feels far away.

How to Handle the Inner Critic

During this phase, your inner critic may be loud and relentless, pointing out every mistake and reminding you how far you are from your ideal sound. The inner critic is often rooted in perfectionism, and while it may seem like it's pushing you to improve, it can also sabotage your motivation and progress.

Here’s how to manage your inner critic so it doesn’t hold you back:

1. Reframe Negative Self-Talk:
   When your inner critic tells you, “You’re not good enough,” or “You’ll never be able to play like that,” reframe these thoughts into more constructive ones. Instead of, “I’ll never get this right,” try, “I’m learning this at my own pace, and I’m getting better every day.” This subtle shift in language can help reduce frustration and give you permission to make mistakes as part of the learning process.

2. Embrace Imperfection:
   Understand that perfection is not the goal – progress is. When you let go of the need to play perfectly, you open yourself up to more creativity, experimentation, and ultimately, growth. Music is an evolving process, and even the professionals make mistakes. By embracing your imperfections, you allow space for learning and improvement without the harsh judgment.

3. Shift from Criticism to Curiosity:
   When your inner critic points out what you did wrong, use that as an opportunity for curiosity rather than self-judgment. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” or “What could I do differently next time?” Shifting from criticism to curiosity keeps you in a growth mindset and helps you improve without the pressure of feeling like you’ve failed.

THE ALCHEMY OF MUSIC

Use your taste as a guidepost, not a reason for frustration – your skills will eventually catch up.

Bridging the Gap: Steps to Improve Your Skills

The gap between your taste and skill can feel daunting, but there are practical steps you can take to bridge that gap and grow as a musician. Here are a few ways to focus on consistent improvement:

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals:
   Break your larger musical goals into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of saying, “I want to play like my favorite artist,” set a goal like, “I’ll master this chord progression” or “I’ll improve my rhythm.” These bite-sized goals are more achievable and allow you to experience regular progress.

2. Consistent, Focused Practice:
   There’s no substitute for practice. But more important than quantity is the quality of your practice. Set aside focused time each day or week to work on specific aspects of your playing – whether that’s learning a new technique, perfecting a song, or exploring your own musical ideas. The key is to be consistent. Over time, these sessions add up, and you’ll notice your skills improving. If you don’t want to go on this journey by yourself, I’d like to invite you to be part of my 365 Days of Practice Journey.

3. Learn from Others:
   Study the musicians you admire. Try to understand what makes their sound so compelling and analyze how they approach music. You don’t have to play exactly like them, but understanding the nuances of their playing can help you develop your own style. Find mentors or take lessons to get expert guidance on specific areas you want to improve.

4. Record and Reflect:
   Recording yourself can be a powerful tool for growth. It allows you to objectively hear your playing and track your progress over time. Don’t just listen for mistakes – listen for improvement and areas where you can grow. This habit can help you celebrate your progress while also identifying specific areas to focus on.

5. Allow Space for Creativity:
   While technical skill is important, remember that music is an art form, not just a science. Allow yourself time to experiment, improvise, and play around with sound, even if it doesn’t meet the high standards of your taste. These moments of creative exploration can often lead to breakthroughs that wouldn’t happen through practice alone.

THE ALCHEMY OF MUSIC

With patience and consistent practice, the gap between your taste and skill will begin to close, and your music will reflect your vision.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Every musician faces the gap between their taste and their skill at some point in their journey. While it can be disheartening, it’s also a sign that you care deeply about your craft – you know what great music sounds like, and you’re working to get there.

The key is to embrace the journey. Accept where you are today, while staying motivated to improve. With patience, practice, and a healthy dose of self-compassion, you’ll gradually close the gap, and one day, you’ll find that your skill has caught up with your taste. And then, your music will truly reflect the sound you’ve been striving for all along.

With Love and Axé,
Sarah ♥️