7 Tips to Break Through Creative Blocks

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

As a music teacher who’s worked with hundreds of students over the years, I’ve noticed something fascinating: It’s not always your technique that holds you back! Sometimes, it’s your mindset.
I see this all the time in my violin lessons in Austin. Students come in wondering why they feel stuck despite having learned solid fundamentals. They play their scales, they know their theory, but something feels off. You may have noticed this in your own musical life.

You have every reason to be able to jump back into music, but are having a hard time getting unstuck. The truth is that creative blocks don’t just waste your time — they can actually reinforce negative patterns and build more frustration in your practice.
But here’s the good news: Finding and fixing these mental roadblocks can transform your musical experience almost overnight.
Whether you’re a string player, a bedroom producer, or a veteran guitar player who can’t stand to look at your instrument, here are seven strategies that will help you rediscover your musical spark.

Table of Contents:
• Tip #1: Reflect on your musical WHY
• Tip #2: Play something else
• Tip #3: Play with other people
• Tip #4: Watch the masters at work
• Tip #5: Set a performance date
• Tip #6: Change your physical environment
• Tip #7: Take a Break
• Overcoming blocks in the future

Tip #1: Reflect on your musical WHY

Have you ever sat down at your instrument, gone through the motions, but still felt completely disconnected from what you’re playing? That disconnect is what I call “musical autopilot” and it happens when we lose sight of why we started making music in the first place. Maybe you’ve even seen some of your favorite bands or performers on “musical autopilot” live.
Here’s why reconnecting with your WHY matters:

It reignites the emotional connection that drives progress
It provides motivation during difficult periods
It reminds you that technique serves expression, NOT the other way around
It helps you make choices about what to practice and why

So, if you catch yourself on “musical autopilot,” what should you do instead?
Next time you feel stuck, try this: Take a step back and ask yourself what originally drew you to music. Was it a particular song that moved you? A live performance? The simple joy of creating? Spend some time simply reflecting on these core reasons and let that emotional connection guide your next practice session.
Always remember: Technical skill without emotional purpose is just noise. The musicians who continue growing are those who never lose sight of why they fell in love with music in the first place.

Tip #2: Play something else

I see this all the time in my studio: A student gets stuck on a challenging piece and keeps hammering away at it, session after session, getting more frustrated each time. It’s like trying to force a key that doesn’t fit (not a musical key, haha!).
And just like ANYTHING you try to force, grinding on the same material when you’re stuck often makes things worse, not better. Here’s the truth…
When you keep playing the same stuck material:

Your frustration compounds and affects your technique
You develop negative associations with the piece
You miss opportunities to learn techniques that might actually help
Music won’t be fun ALL of the time, but don’t forget that music SHOULD ultimately be enjoyable

Instead of beating your head against the wall, here’s an approach that actually works:

Set the problematic piece aside temporarily (this isn’t giving up!)
Choose something completely different — a different musical style, key, tempo or mood.
Let yourself enjoy making music without the pressure of the initial piece weighing on you.
Finally, return to the original piece after a few days or weeks.

For musicians at any level, this is especially important!
The truth is sometimes the piece isn’t ready for you, and you’re not ready for the piece.
And that’s perfectly normal.

Tip #3: Play with other people

If you’re feeling incredibly stuck musically, let me ask you something: When was the last time you made music with another person? If you can’t remember, that might be part of your problem!
Music is inherently social, and going at it alone can contribute to creative stagnation. We often have images of the tortured artist, practicing away in total isolation, losing all contact with the outside world. But remember, music is something you create to share with others, in addition to being for yourself.
Are you stuck in musical isolation? Don’t worry — it happens to the best of us! And the solution is simple.
So, here’s how to reconnect with the social side of music:

Look for local jam sessions or open mic nights
Find online collaboration opportunities
Play simple pieces with family or friends (nothing too hard unless they’re also skilled musicians)
Join community groups or ensembles in your area
Or just SING with other people — no instrumental skill required!

In my own studio, I’ve seen that when my students start playing with others regularly, they rediscover the joy that initially drew them to music.
After all, if music is a conversation, then how much fun is a one-sided conversation?

Experience the difference with expert Mastering

Tip #4: Watch the masters at work

Can I tell you something crazy?
Occasionally, I see musicians get so caught up in their own struggles that they forget to look outward for inspiration.
Here’s what I mean:
With so much media out there, from streaming audio, to podcasts, to YouTube videos, it’s easier than ever to listen to and watch your favorite artists talk about their craft.
Don’t forget that no matter what is getting you tripped up with your music, it’s something that another musician has struggled with. That’s why one approach that works for breaking creative blocks is actively watching inspiring performances from master artists.
Why does watching others work so well?

It reminds you what’s possible with dedication
It exposes you to new techniques and approaches
It reconnects you with the emotional power of music
It provides better perspective on your own journey

So if you find yourself stuck in your own practice room bubble, try this approach instead:

Seek out recordings or videos of pieces you’re working on
Watch performances in styles you don’t normally explore
Pay attention to the emotion and communication of the performance, not JUST technique (instrumentalists are ESPECIALLY guilty of this one)

But before you dive down the YouTube rabbit hole to watch your favorite artist, let me give you a quick word of warning: It’s very easy to feel intimidated when watching the masters perform. I mean, what’s scarier than comparing your musical journey to someone like Aretha Franklin or Andrea Bocelli?
So when you’re watching legendary performers, remind yourself that at one time, they were in the same point of their journey as you! This will help you maintain perspective as you try to get yourself unstuck.

Tip #5: Set a performance date

Perhaps the most effective way to break through creative paralysis is also the most uncomfortable: Committing to perform in front of others, even in a small setting.
You might be worried about your technique or wondering if you’re “ready,” but if your brain is focused on an upcoming performance, you automatically shift into “Let’s go!” mode.
At times, we all need external motivation (or to use an uglier word “deadlines”) to push through difficult periods. After all, there’s only so much you can do when you’re blocked. But do you really need this performance goal?
Here are some signs to know:

You’ve been working on the same pieces for months without progress
You practice but avoid challenging yourself
You feel like you have plenty of time to “get better later”
Practice sessions feel routine rather than purposeful

Now, let’s say that you’re ready to embrace the power of accountability!
Here’s what you do:

Set a specific date and tell someone about it
The audience can be as small as one supportive friend
Choose realistic material — the goal is momentum, not perfection
Use the deadline to focus your practice sessions

This might seem obvious, but I’ve found that musicians who regularly perform (even informally) stay more engaged and progress faster than those who don’t.

Tip #6: Change your physical environment

While the five tips we’ve covered so far focus on the mental aspect of beating creative blocks, sometimes the solution is surprisingly simple: Change where you practice.
Your surroundings can trap you in the same mental patterns, and a new environment can unlock fresh perspectives on familiar material. We’ve all had that experience where we go to a new bar, restaurant or venue in our own town. Even if the place has been there for decades, since it’s a “new” experience for us, it’s automatically more exciting.
The truth is that “environmental stagnation” also applies to where you practice. And if you always practice in the same spot, looking at the same walls, you might be limiting your creative potential.
So what are some changes you can make?

Try practicing in different rooms or even outdoors
Change your lighting or rearrange your setup
Face a different direction or adjust your seating
Visit different acoustic environments whenever possible
Something I picked up in music school and still do now from time to time: Go brush your teeth! It sounds silly, but I found it helpful to reset my mood/mindset during practice sessions.

These environmental shifts can disrupt stagnant musical patterns and help you approach familiar material with fresh ears.

Tip #7: Take a Break

Here’s something that might surprise you: Sometimes the most productive thing you can do when stuck is absolutely nothing. This goes against every instinct when you’re frustrated with your progress, but strategic breaks can be incredibly powerful.
But rather than giving up with the intention of returning to the material later, I tell my students to take planned breaks to let things gel in their mind a bit.
Here’s why planned breaks work:

Your subconscious continues processing musical information
You return with fresh ears and perspective
You avoid burnout and negative associations
You give your body and mind time to recover

What do these planned breaks look like?

Make it a conscious decision, not avoidance
Set a specific return date (3-5 days usually works)
Engage with music in other ways – listening, analyzing, reading
Trust that the break is part of the process, not a setback

But always remember:
This “planned break” needs to be a guilt-free, intentional choice rather than just avoiding practice out of frustration. And if you are avoid a piece out of frustration, perhaps revisit tip #2 and play something else for a little while.

Overcoming blocks in the future

Creative blocks are a natural part of the creative process, and it’s important to remember they are temporary, even when they feel permanent.
The musicians who continue growing are those who develop strategies for working through these challenging periods rather than waiting for inspiration to magically appear.
Try implementing one or two of these strategies when you next find yourself stuck. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate creative challenges entirely — they’re actually a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries. Your breakthrough might be closer than you think. Happy practicing!