Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 11:41 am Post subject: Getting worse
Please tell us how you are getting worse. If it is just your perception of what you should sound like, or, your sight reading ability, or, your endurance, range, improv ability, transposition, etc.. What is your problem? PERHAPS we can help.
Could it be that you are not getting worse, but getting better at a slower rate -- that coupled with the fact that your ear is still getting better you are probably listening to yourself with a more critical ear.
Overall, I bet you are still getting better.
It's friday -- go have an adult beverage and listen to some good music! _________________ "To be a teacher you need to be as good a performer as you can be: you'll have more to impart to your students musically." - John Haynie
Band man has a point. As a comeback player I've found myself becoming more critical of my own playing as I've progressed. it is safe to say that some skills we regain quickly whilst others take more time to develop, even with lots of hard work. I have noticed however that when I experience problems of the nature that you've mentioned, especially with my tone and endurance, it's generally because I've allowed myself to slide back into my old way of playing.
Too much mouthpiece pressure.
Breath support, not getting enough air through the instrument.
Using an old embouchure setting.
Not warming up before playing.
I'm not saying this is the reason you're experiencing these difficulties, Just offering up something to the melting pot from my own humble stumblings.............
If the problems persist a couple of sessions with a really good teacher, someone who can look at you play and tell you what's going on, might be an option...
My first question is: Are you doing this on your own or do you have ateacher who is helping you focus your practice time?
If you are trying to do this on your own, you may have developed some bad habits that are restricting your efforts.
I tried for 10 years to do it on my own and never reached the level I was at when I was 19. Two years ago I started lessons and have now gone beyond my previous abilities..
The teacher helped me to structure my practice time and to focus on the areas in which I needed the most work. I take two one-hour lessons each month and it has done wonders.
Don't become discouraged, we all progress at different rates and it doesn't get any easier as we get older. And there are no short cuts, just hard work that can be quite fun.
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