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Balancing multiple instruments

Author: SuzyQ
Date: 2003-06-09 23:24

Hi. I am a senior in highschool who plays too many instruments. I play piano, clarinet, trombone, dulcimer, and bass recorder and my problem is being able to practice them all! Even though piano is my MAIN instrument, (I plan on majoring in piano when I graduate) somehow I have managed to become the 2nd chair clarinet in my band (20 clarinets). I practice piano 3 hours a day leaving not much time for all my other instruments... how do all of you balance practice on multiple instruments? Advice, techniques, everything welcome!
Thanks,
SuzyQ

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Re: Balancing multiple instruments

Author: A.C.
Date: 2003-06-10 01:07

In my own experience( clarinet, saxophone,violin, viola, and learning flute, guitar, and piano) the best words of advice I can possibly give are, true dedication and really good time management. It also helps to bring any homework/bills exc. to practices in case of breaktimes(or if there is an extended period of time where the conductor is working with a certain section, other than your own). Also make sure to use a calender to schedule practices and events(to avoid double scheduling). Most important of all, make sure that you don't over extend yourself.
~A.C.~

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Re: Balancing multiple instruments

Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-06-10 01:18

I would think that all of the other 'flavors' will someday serve you well.

Many recording artists are in pursuit of accent pieces for commericial and film scores. There are more accoustic instruments appearing in such scores, which is good news for players.

The catch (of course there is one) is that Hammered dulcimer and Trombone are unforgiving to the occasional practitioner.

I can't say anything constructive about recorders or the SFCA melieu, but hey, it's a great place to meet overweight IT managers named 'Karzon'.

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Re: Balancing multiple instruments

Author: Pam H.
Date: 2003-06-10 02:27

Make sure that your main instrument doesn't suffer as much as the other ones from practice-neglect. So always make sure to practice Piano and then the others.

I tend to rotate instruments in practice. I play clarinet, flute, sax, & piano. Most days I can't practice all four, but can manage to do two, sometimes three.

I've found that it helps to set goals for yourself for each instrument. Long term and short term.

Also, don't beat yourself up too badly if you take a day off each week. You just can't get too lazy though because then everything suffers.

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