Is it normal to struggle this much?

Its normally very easy for me to pick things up, but I've been studying music for almost 6 weeks now and I feel like I haven't made enough progress. I have 2 hour long sessions per week and I also do some self study.

For the first 2 weeks my instructor and I just worked on reading music, and I wasn't allowed near the piano until the third week. I suppose I've made some semblance of progress, but WAAAYY less than I would have expected. I am OK at identifying different notes and symbols, but my frustration has no end because I cannot find the notes on the piano and its hard to actually identify their sounds.

I'm 22 and I'm studying music to incorporate it in a thesis on song lyrics I have to complete next year (if this information is even relevant). I think my instructor is running out of patience with me because he says that I should have made more progress than I have- so am I not serious enough, or am I doing something wrong or just completely tone deaf?

Voting Results
75% Normal
Based on 48 votes (36 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • flowergirl87

    Just from reading this, I get the impression you set very high standards for yourself and that you're hard on yourself. I know all about this myself. Try and focus on what you have achieved so far.

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  • howaminotmyself

    It sounds like you may be a little tone deaf. I studied music for years but I never quite understood music theory. And I studied about two hours every day. It takes time and dedication to develop muscle memory. And some people have a natural ability. If you don't feel like you are progressing much, maybe find a different teacher to encourage or inspire you.

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  • imadragon

    It takes a different amount of time for everyone to learn something, your instructor should be more patient with you than to say that you are too slow.

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  • sux

    卐austism卐

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    • _Molotov_Cocktail_

      Molotov cocktail. BITCH!

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      • sux

        thanks, its delicious

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