This person doesn't know whether to practice for their performance or focus on their schoolwork.

I am going to be as sympathetic yet as blunt as possible. I can't say that I have ever played a musical instrument in my life, but I have grown accustomed to all the terms and the dedication it takes to play an instrument from having music-fanatic friends. A four-page solo is nothing to take lightly—that I can agree with you on. However, I don't believe you have the right to complain in this situation. When you signed up for S&E, you took on two things: first, you realized that you would have to juggle the responsibility with your schoolwork, and, second, you knew that you would be playing whatever solo was assigned to you because you either didn't ask for specific pieces, or that simply wasn't part of the program. I realize that schoolwork always comes first, but it isn't that difficult to set aside an hour a day to practice. You simply seem to have gotten overwhelmed with the new work and don't know how to channel that into motivation to succeed. You shouldn't whine about it; instead, get up, and get the hour done. An hour is merely 60 minutes. It won't kill you to use that time instead of trying to find a way out of it. What I am trying to say is get this done, then tell your director to only assign you the pieces that you are able to manage. If the director doesn't consent, either leave S&E or come to terms with the fact that you will have to put in the motivation and drive to obtain results. I wish you the best of luck in your decision, and, as always...

Love,

The Advice Column