Burnt Out on Music? Here’s Why a Break Might Be Exactly What You Need

A close friend and mentor of mine came into my life during what I now call the worst era of my musical journey. Everything — and I mean everything — had failed me. My college, my expectations, my friendships, and honestly… myself.

I had lost it all. I was burnt out, broken, and numb to something I used to love.

That’s when he appeared.

Out of nowhere, he asked me to sing a nursery rhyme for a tiny gig that required a female singer.

Yes. A literal nursery rhyme.

I said yes — not because I was inspired, but because I was desperate to escape. I didn’t know it then, but that one silly little rhyme would be the start of months of guidance, mentorship, and quiet healing. That day, I told him something I hadn’t admitted out loud yet. I said, honestly:

"I can’t handle music. I despise it."

He didn’t flinch.

He didn’t try to fix it or throw motivational quotes at me.

He understood.

Finally — someone who got it. The frustration, the exhaustion, the guilt of hating something that used to feel like home.

He said something I’ll never forget:

"You need to take a break. Do things that don’t involve music."

And so I did. It wasn’t easy — especially since music is literally my degree.

But that break was the best decision I could’ve made. I stopped trying to impress anyone. I just did what I liked. Slowly, gently, without pressure.

And surprise, surprise — I found myself coming back to music. Not because I had to. But because I wanted to. And when I did, I realized something simple but powerful:

Singing is me. It’s the truest part of who I am. No instrument — not even the piano (though I love it) — makes me feel the way singing does.

The more I let myself just be, the more confidence I started to rebuild — the confidence that completely crumbled during my first year. And funny enough, the college that once felt like a trap? I started to see how the very subjects I resented were actually helping me find myself again.

A well-deserved break isn’t quitting. It’s actually the opposite. It’s giving yourself the space to breathe, to grow, to recharge. It’s understanding that you can’t force art — it has to come from a place of love and passion, not pressure.And honestly, in my rawest truth: I’m still on this journey of healing. I’m not "fixed" — I’m just taking it one day at a time. Every day, I’m learning to appreciate music again, and I’m slowly rebuilding my relationship with it, piece by piece.

The key takeaway?

You don’t have to keep pushing yourself into a space of exhaustion and resentment to be a true artist.

Taking a step back can sometimes be the thing that helps you come back stronger, clearer, and more connected to your craft than ever before.

So, if you’re feeling burned out, broken, or like you’ve lost your love for the thing you once adored…

take that break.

Give yourself permission to rest. You deserve it.And trust me, when you’re ready, music — or whatever art speaks to you — will still be waiting, ready to welcome you home.