by Inman Hebert
End-of-semester discussions with both my musical and non-musical peers have inevitably lead to how the accumulation of stress negatively impacts us as college students. In these conversations, the word “burnout” recurs. From computer science majors who never want to write another line of source code to overloaded double majors stressed merely by the inside of a classroom, burnout characterizes a state of chronic exhaustion reached after prolonged periods of unmanaged stress.
From a musical perspective, what does burnout mean? While musicians tend to pursue the field out of passion, such personal motivation does not exempt us from the stress of balancing classroom obligations with practice time, performances, and freelance opportunities. Unlike many other majors, breaks from the curriculum do not include a hiatus from the instrument; this can lead to fatigue.
As students, how do we ward off or deal with this phenomenon? Pinpoint the source as a first step. Do we feel languor in practicing or even in performing? Alternatively, has managing academic, personal, and other daily demands become overwhelming? Assuming the latter, more effective time management can prove valuable in averting burnout. Learn to politely and effectively use the word “no” to avoid overburdening yourself socially or professionally. With additional free time, the condition more readily subsides.
What if the former holds true? If the very act of playing the horn serves as a primary cause of debilitating stress, a viable option may entail considering a prolonged break or even reevaluating career priorities. Music requires too much dedication for career prospects for those not fully committed: we must love the process (long hours of practice) as much as we love the product (a single two-hour performance). That being said, students may be passionate about music while also feeling the effects of burnout. In fact, the desire to succeed may trigger harmful self-imposed pressure.
After self-compassion, appropriate rest, and realistic goal setting, what are some potential next steps? Restore balance through time spent in nature, a healthy hobby, or social interactions. Find inspiration to spark your inner passion by listening to horn recordings, attending orchestra concerts, exploring new routines, or interacting with others in the horn community.
While acknowledging our current state-of-mind, remember the obligations we owe our future selves. At a bare minimum, we must continue to exercise daily routines, regardless of our mental state. Likely, the end of a semester itself will bring the relief one has been seeking and allow for a reinvigorated approach to the horn. We may fear using the word burnout, but developing proactive strategies can help us alleviate the effects of our common stressors.
