Should I continue playing the cello?

Question

I'm going into high school this year and I've played the cello for four years. It hasn't really been doing it for me. Honestly, I expected to fall in love with playing an instrument like this, but I feel like it's more of a chore than it should be. It's not "Cool, I get to play my cello this afternoon!", it's "Ugh... I can't believe I have to play my cello again...". When I first started out it wasn't like this, but it's gotten really bad the past year. I was talking with my mother about this, but then I heard her talking to my dad and saying "I really wish she would just choose if she wants to do it or not! It's like she wants me to perform some magic! It's really getting on my nerves", a few minutes ago. If I quit things, though, I really feel like I'm letting people down. I can't stop myself from thinking about how my cello teacher might say ,"Man, I can't believe she quit. What a shame..." or "Well, she wasn't trying anyway, so she's just another quitter!"

Could you please give me some advice or tell me why I'm feeling this way? Thank you if you read the whole question, I know it was long.

Answer 1

I don't think your cello teacher will think that. If you explain how you really feel, he/she should be able to understand. Private teachers usually want the best for their students, no matter in or outside of music.

Your parents also want you to be happy. If you don't feel a connection with your cello, or have any ambitions of being a professional cellist, then you should go into other extracurriculars. Colleges really like to see well-rounded students, and it's all for the better if you get awards/achievements in extracurricular activities!

Answer 2

How is playing the cello has to do with dating?

Answer 3

Playing an instrument takes alot of your time, and obviously takes alot of practicing and is a huge commitment. Entering into highschool will open up alot of new, exciting opportunities for you. Is there something else you are interested in? Art, drama, sports, clubs? If you quit the cello, I would have something else in mind. It's always good to be involved in an extra curricular activity.

My girls all played an instrument, and I have never pressured them to keep playing. It was always their choice to continue. But if they chose to continue, then they will do what they need to suceed. In your case, you should not feel guilty about quitting, if it

s just not what you want to do. In fact, starting highschool I think would be a good time to transition to something different. Think about the next 4 years and what you'd like to learn and be involved in. Music is not for everyone.  

Answer 4

I played the Cello for 5 years and quit when I got to Highschool.

I didn't care what other people thought. Being in the Orchestra in Highschool is expensive and you always have to go to after school practices and concerts and stuff. You be working a job during Highschool and have no time to play Cello.

Go ahead and quit. I did and sold my Cello for big bucks! lol and I ended up playing sports during highschool in which I didn't have much of a chance to play sports during middle school because of me in Orchestra