Ergh.

I've just typed a massive long reply to someone encouraging them to feel more positive about their own playing and to stop being so hard on himself.

But now I feel like a complete and utter hypocrite because I'm just... I don't know. I don't even know where my flute is.

I went to play my violin the other night, and got about 4 notes on before deciding that I hated the sound of it, and putting a CD on instead. And I think I ought to start singing again after 3 weeks' break but I sound like a dying frog I'm so out of practice.

How on earth am I meant to get back into this? I meant to be playing in a recital later this year (not a plug - don't come if you don't want to hear my screeching - please) but I doubt I'll actually be able to do it. I don't see how it can really be possible to progress at any sort of rate whilst holding down a fulltime job and lots of other commitments. I am really in awe of anyone who also has children in the equation but still manages to do it!

I've been saying for years now that I'd like to get my two grade 8s and I'm wondering if getting stuck into preparing for those might help - any ideas?

Sorry to go on!

PS Posted in the AL forum because it's more about work and such, rather than school and meeting up with friends.

The key things I've found that make me keep on playing and progressing while working full time are

1) Accept that it's going to be hard
2) Practice even when you don't want to.

I aim to practice at least 3 evenings during the working week (preferably 4 or 5). My window for fitting in practising is about 7-8.30pm. Usually I get in about 6.30, get changed, have a short wind down then do some practice. Work is busy at the moment, I left the house at 7.30am, got back about 7.15pm, the last thing I wanted to do was practice (the first thing I wanted to do was pour a glass of wine!). But I managed to do 45 minutes. The quality of the practice wasn't great, but crucially I did my long note and overtone practice (my sound really suffers if I skip these for any length of time) and ran through all the tunes that are currently on the go for being able to play without music in a jam session or something. So it was worthwhile - I haven't slipped backwards and I've made a small step forward on a couple of tunes.

If I only practiced when I wanted to I'd be nowhere near the level I'm playing at, and I wouldn't get any of the pleasure I get from all the playing I do with other people - that's what keeps me going.

For a start I'd re-read what you wrote in that other thread.....looks like good advice to me

It is hard juggling work and family comitments. I have had periods where I am unable to practice. My playing suffers from them, my tone goes to pot and my stamina vanishes. However, after each break I've recovered and in some ways benefitted as I come back to it refreshed as I've got back into it when I've realised how much I've been missing it.

From what you've posted on this forum you're life has been turned up and down many many times over the last year or so. Don't beat yourself up.

As to how to get back into it:

TSax types sense. Routine is a good thing. Personally I don't feel any benefit from practicing when I'm really not in the mood. I will try to always do the bare minimum - 5 min warm-up of scale exercises/long tones then play something I really enjoy. Often this is enough to get myself going. If I still don't feel like playing then I give up as start to wind myself up.

Getting myself into the routine of coming in, grabbing a drink, throwing something into the oven for dinner then practicing until the dinner is ready works well. It's just proving difficult at the moment as I'm rarely getting home until past 8:30 and with small children next door I can't really practice effectively.

Hi Miss Ross, I don't have any real advice but just wanted to add that I think you are being a bit negative about your playing; your violin sounds very good, and you play really well! At the last Leeds concert I was wishing I could produce such a good sound with such little apparent effort.
The best thing is probably to make a little time every day to at least play something - as the last poster said, even if it's only a short warm up. Routines do work, if only because you don't lose too much ground while waiting for the next bout of enthusiasm..
N

I think you've had some great advice here, hon; all I want to add is:

1) Major sympathy - been there before, no doubt will be there again re feeling stuck in a rut and sounding dreadful. I just had almost two years where I hardly managed any practice at all, through ill health. Incredibly frustrating in so many ways.

2) Don't be so hard on yourself I'd lay good money you sound a lot better than you think you do! If you think preparing in some degree for an exam or two would help, go for it - but don't put yourself under pressure or a timeframe unless you absolutely must. Try learning something that will challenge you but also play some stuff just for fun - don't make practice another chore! Try getting some advice off teachers, forum buddies, musical friends. Accept that finding time is going to be difficult, and look for ways to best use the time you do have; but don't beat yourself up about it either. Some times in your life you'll have more free time than you know what to do with - other times you may get to practise once a week. Do the best you can, and keep on enjoying it.

You'll find ways, you will adjust, and if the experience of many here is anything to go by, playing music as you get older can become more and more rewarding. Just remember to allow yourself to be human - most people need trial and error to find out how it will work for them. You will too. It doesn't mean you won't work it out in the end!

I always find a long walk helps!

The West Highland Way would be good, the South West Coastal footpath a bit excessive.

Or just a walk in the park or along the beach.