How I Healed My Relationship With Music
Music is my calling, but I spent years deeply unhappy in my musical experience. This is how I healed my relationship with music.
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Build a Musical Life - Blog
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Michelle Monette
Jan 82 min read
Create Space to Make Music
“In terms of shaping our own future, spaces are key. We need to make sure there are spaces to be free. To be ourselves. Literal spaces,...
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Michelle Monette
Jan 12 min read
Clarity, Intention, Discipline
Conceptually, “Building a Musical Life” is the idea that if music is important to us, it’s worth structuring our lives to support a...
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Michelle Monette
Dec 11, 20234 min read
Aim for Excellence Rather Than Perfection
“Perfectionism is a cudgel and a way to hide...Perfectionism is a way to berate others for not meeting imaginary standards. Or berating...
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Michelle Monette
Dec 4, 20233 min read
Cultivating the Courage to Answer Music's Call
“Somewhere inside, we hear a voice… Our voice leads us in the direction of the person we wish to become, but it is up to us whether or...
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Michelle Monette
Nov 27, 20233 min read
Putting Procrastination in Perspective
As musicians, one of the most insidious obstacles we face to working on music is procrastination: the irresistible desire to do anything...
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Michelle Monette
Jul 31, 20232 min read
Day By Day, Drip By Drip
"Well-being is realized by small steps, but is truly no small thing." - Zeno "Just because improvements aren't visible doesn't mean they...
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Michelle Monette
Jul 3, 20233 min read
Where to Find Feedback
A substantial part of building a musical life is always moving forward and growing as artists and musicians. One of the most important...
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Michelle Monette
Jun 26, 20233 min read
Don't Fear Feedback
“No one likes to be found at fault. In fact, this is what many of us walk around fearing—that we’ll be exposed as imposters, we’ll be put...
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Michelle Monette
Jun 19, 20233 min read
You Can Do It Too
“Not to assume it’s impossible because you find it hard. But to recognize that if it’s humanly possible, you can do it too.” - Marcus...
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Michelle Monette
May 8, 20233 min read
Set Yourself Up For Success
Putting in thousands of hours honing our craft is essential for becoming the musicians and artists we aspire to be. Unfortunately, there...
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Michelle Monette
Apr 23, 20232 min read
Focus on Fundamentals
“Fundamentals will save your [butt] every day, and twice on Sundays.” Bob Reynolds With the proliferation of videos and online courses...
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Michelle Monette
Apr 17, 20232 min read
Our Musical Interconnectedness
“Keep reminding yourself of the way things are connected, of their relatedness. All things are implicated in one another and in sympathy...
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Michelle Monette
Apr 9, 20233 min read
Don't Worry About What Other Musicians Are Doing
With the accessibility of the internet, it is easier than ever to know exactly what other musicians are doing, playing, and creating. We...
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Michelle Monette
Apr 2, 20232 min read
A Broader Perspective on Practice
“Any significant change requires significant practice.” - Brad Stulberg All musicians know how important practicing is to our craft, but...
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Michelle Monette
Mar 13, 20232 min read
Develop Your Musical Voice
“It’s my failure to sound like my heroes that’s allowed me to sound like myself.” - John Mayer One of the most fulfilling parts of being...
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Michelle Monette
Mar 6, 20232 min read
The Musical Life Isn't Only About Music
“Music can’t be everything.” - James Blake, “Meet You In The Maze” When we feel called to pursue music in any way, shape, or form, it’s...
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Michelle Monette
Feb 27, 20232 min read
The Best Time to Start
“The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today. You are arranging what is in Fortune's control...
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Michelle Monette
Feb 19, 20232 min read
Work and Time
In the world of music, a variety of factors will dictate how much, and how quickly, we improve. This can include what we focus on, the...
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Michelle Monette
Feb 13, 20232 min read
Focus on the Process, Not on the Prize
"It doesn't make sense to continue wanting something if you're not willing to do what it takes to get it. If you don't want to live the...
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