Unlock Your Creativity: How Learning The Violin Enhances Business Success

As a business owner and marketing expert, I never imagined that learning to play the violin would become one of my greatest business teachers. Yet, time and again, I find myself reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned while practicing music and how they translate into running a business. Here are four key lessons I’ve discovered through playing the violin that have dramatically improved my approach to business.

1. Start Small

When I first started learning the violin, I was overwhelmed by how much there was to master. The sound I produced was...well, let’s just say the dog didn’t appreciate it! At the beginning, everything needed improvement—from my intonation to bow placement, wrist positioning, and arm movement. But I quickly learned that trying to fix everything at once was a recipe for failure.

Instead, I had to focus on just one thing at a time. First, I worked on improving my intonation. Once I mastered that, I could move on to bowing techniques, arm positioning, and other details. It’s the same principle in business. When I get stuck, it’s usually because I’m trying to tackle too many problems at once. Rather than trying to fix an entire project, I narrow my focus to just one or two issues. This allows me to make more progress, just like focusing on one piece of a musical score.

In business, when things feel overwhelming, it’s essential to break them down into smaller, manageable pieces. When I slow down and concentrate on one aspect, I can usually overcome obstacles more efficiently.

2. Creativity Needs a Framework

As a child, I used to think that creativity was a wild and free process with no rules. But as I’ve grown older—and especially through my experience with the violin—I’ve realized that true creativity thrives within a framework. When it comes to music, that framework is music theory. In business, the framework can take many forms, depending on the project.

For example, when I’m working on marketing strategies, I always refer back to my framework of the three M’s: message, market, and method. Having this structure allows me to think outside the box and create innovative solutions. In business, whether you’re developing a new product, marketing campaign, or team strategy, a framework helps guide the creative process. Without it, creativity can become chaotic and unproductive.

If you’re feeling stuck in your business, it might be time to step back and identify the framework you need to work within. Start by outlining your current position, your goals, and the resources at your disposal. Once you have that structure, you’ll find it easier to let your creativity flow.

3. Be Consistent

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from the violin is the power of consistency. In January 2020, I overworked myself and injured my arm, limiting my violin practice to 20 minutes at a time. It was frustrating because 20 minutes is barely enough to warm up! But instead of stopping altogether, I kept practicing in short bursts.

What I found was that even 15 or 20 minutes of practice each day made a significant difference. Consistent effort, no matter how small, compounds over time. The same principle applies in business. Even if I only have 15 minutes to work on a project, I know it’s better to put in that time than to skip it entirely. Each time I revisit the project, I become more familiar with it, allowing me to make incremental progress.

Consistency builds momentum. Even if you can only dedicate small amounts of time to your business tasks, those consistent efforts will add up and propel you forward.

Bonus: Relaxed Effort Gets Better Results

One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned from the violin is that tension hinders performance. There are pieces I literally cannot play when I’m tense. If I try to play too forcefully, I miss notes, my intonation suffers, and the whole performance falls apart.

This translates directly to business. When I push myself too hard, I tend to make mistakes and lose focus. I’ve learned that relaxed effort yields better, more sustainable results. When I allow myself to approach business challenges with a calm mindset, I’m able to move more efficiently and achieve better outcomes.

This is a lesson I find myself relearning over and over again, but it’s one that always holds true. Relaxing into the work allows me to perform at my best, both in music and in business.

The Wrap

The violin has become an unlikely but invaluable business coach for me. It has taught me the importance of focusing on small improvements, operating within a framework, staying consistent, and staying relaxed in the face of challenges. These lessons have not only enhanced my ability to play music but have also played a crucial role in my success as a business owner.

If you're looking for more insights on unlocking creativity and achieving business success, visit TheStephanieScheller.com.