Klarinet Archive - Posting 000403.txt from 1996/12

From: "Ian M. Dilley" <imd@-----.uk>
Subj: Re: Playing well
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 1996 12:13:03 -0500

Laura,
No magic bullet I'm afraid, just practice. You're not alone
though. I gave up for 20 years and I know there are a few more on
this list who have had breaks of a similar length of time. It's very
frustrating starting over because you can no longer do things you know
you used to be able to do. It comes back pretty quickly though.

I'm sure that after only 1 1/2 years you'll be back on top form in a
few weeks. The hard part is finding the time to practice.

Too late to do anything about it at 20! What rubbish! I seem to
remember a 60 yr old beginner on this list a few months ago.

I stopped playing at exactly the same age as you did. It took me 20
years before I get started again. Don't do what I did. Keep playing.

Good luck,
Ian Dilley.

>
> Hello...
>
> I am new to this discussion list, but I would like to ask a question.
>
> I started playing when I was 8 years old. I was always at the top of my group
> all the way through school. I considered attended college as a music major,
> but I withdrew because of fear of competition.
>
> Now I regret some of those decisions. I am almost 20 years old, working full
> time, attending college full time (Psychology major) and regreting every
> minute of it. I loved playing the clarinet, and now I feel it is too late to
> do anything with it.
>
> I picked it up the other day to try it out after a year and a half. I was
> astonished and hurt that my playing ability has declined so drastically in
> such a short period of time.
>
> Does anyone have any advice for me? Where to get started again (I adore
> playing in orchestras and large bands), how to get to my previous condition
> somewhat quickly, anything? Thank you...
>
> Laura A. Slavis
>