Question: Hey fellow pianists,

I need some advice for the following problem. Due to circumstances (moving, making ends meet), I haven’t practiced or gigged in a long time (about half a year). I am a professional player, I play jazz, funk, Brazilian and Cuban music.

Now that the waters have calmed down, I’m back at the piano again, but I have to say it all feels really awkward. I feel disconnected from the instrument, my brain seems to be working really slow and the musical ideas that were always flowing through my mind seem to have stopped.

I’m trying to start up just by doing technical exercises, but I could still use some help and advice from people who had the same experience: not playing for a long time and getting back in business.

I still love music, so for me it feels really awkward to be in this situation.