As an ex piano player (I have two sitting downstairs that are lonely) I know what you mean. However let me remind you of the main point of music. It is to be enjoyed and it is not to be guilty about. Music is love. Music is emotion. Music is not forceful practice, examinations, stressful study… it is expression from the soul. If you are having a non playing week or month or few months (or in my case lets not put a date on it) then go out to see a concert pianist, or a symphony, or to something that will revive your soul. You can’t play if you have nothing to give. If you’re blocked creatively then until you can be kind to yourself, put yourself first, attend to your needs and be gentle to yourself, you won’t be able to play. There is no deadline. No stress. It’s for the love of the piano. It doesn’t want you to be guilty, so don’t be. Just listen to your favorite songs, take in a concert or orchestra, and when you feel the vibe back you’ll be playing again. The sure way NOT to be playing again is to stress and be beating yourself up about it. Guilt stops creativity. Let that crap go. You started because you loved it and wanted to do it and that’s the only reason to play. No “should, ifs or buts.” Be kind on you and when the romance of the piano beckons you again, stroke it like the beautiful creature it is and return the love affair you have. Until then, it understands. Trust me. :)

XOX