 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-05-28 16:33
This may be a random post, but I thought in the off-chance that someone could relate and give me advice I thought I'd put it out there.
I just finished my first year at University in music and I recently came to a block in my playing. I guess I wonder where it's all going to lead to, and got bogged down by all that there is still to learn. I feel scared to play because I expect so much from myself and then never want to play. I'm working all the time so I have excuses not to play. "I'm too tired" "My hands hurt from all the lifting" etc etc... Of course, I'm going insane not playing but don't know how to get back into it, to feel excited about playing and to ignore how much I have to learn and get back to learning!
Any advice you guys have to get me out of this rut would be AMAZING and much appreciated.
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
Post Edited (2007-05-28 17:14)
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-05-28 17:34
katie,
...I am a pure hobbyist who has quite a different daytime job, so understand...
- that your instrument is not a burden but a gift that allows you to honk all job related debris out of your mind.
- that playing is something you want to do, something you choose do do. So do it when you want, don't if you don't feel the urge.
- that even a successfully mastered lick is some kind of progress. You won't make grass grow faster by pulling...
- that you should be incentive and reward enough to play. Don't underestimate your own value and appreciation. You do it for yourself, not for somebody else. (something that crosses my mind each time I see a Jazz combo)
May the squeaks be with you.
--
Ben
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Author: kuteclar
Date: 2007-05-28 17:55
Pick a great solo to work on - get some great recordings. So, if you want to play one day but feel too bogged down to work on all the technique, but just wish you could play, you could pick up something like Schumann's Fantasy Pieces, or Finzi Bagetelles, Schumann Three Romances, Vaughn Williams 6 Studies on English Folk, Weber Concertino?, Stamitz 3, Osborne Rhapsody, or maybe get the Voxman Concert Collection to have an intermediate selection of solos. If you love the piece, you'll love to play it. Technique will start slipping back into focus when you're loving the music.
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Author: kuteclar
Date: 2007-05-28 17:59
What method books and studies are you working on? I missed that you were in school for music - adjust the solos accordingly! But, mostly, find what you love playing, and although it's not "correct" by starting off a practice session with a solo, it can make a difference if you weren't looking forward to getting started.
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-05-28 18:09
Thanks for the awesome suggestions.
I did all the rose studies in high school, but I find them good as warm-ups.
I have the Polatcheck (sp?) book of advanced studies.
I like the idea of going into it with a piece, as that's really what gets you into it. I love the Osborne Rhapsody.... It's not that technical, but it's so expressive and amazing!
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
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Author: MichaelR
Date: 2007-05-28 21:42
"I feel scared to play because I expect so much from myself and then never want to play. ... I'm going insane not playing"
Find the Fun.
Part of the relentless journey to get as great as you can be involves, indeed requires, times where you digress from the intense study and self scrutiny.
Play some simple (to you) stuff that's just downright enjoyable to listen to. Play some out of character stuff that's not in your study track. Listen to music that's not part of what you're studying; maybe some BB King, like "The Thrill is Gone"?
To me it sounds like your self induced pressure is backfiring. Let some steam off and the drive will once again propel you forward.
--
Michael of Portland, OR
Be Appropriate and Follow Your Curiosity
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Author: Mike Clarinet
Date: 2007-05-29 12:45
2 words: Community Band. Find one, join one, have a blast. (Ok, that's 9 words). Having done time in the wilderness myself a few years ago, before joining one, band rehearsals are now the highlight of the week. I have never met such a friendly, supportive, mad, crazy bunch of people. (Still on a high after successful if wet bank holiday mini-tour of Bournemouth) Also, practicing for a concert is much more rewarding than learning any solo piece, however great that piece is, just for yourself.
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-05-30 15:55
Thanks guys.
I guess I feel like I'm just waiting for everyone else to figure out I'm not that good.
I got a really bad mark back today and I fell right back into that place.
If I do indeed go back to school in september for music I will definitely try and find a community band and instructor.
I remember band bein loads of fun in high school and I miss that.
Well, I miss music being fun in general.
Thank you all for being so nice.
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
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Author: jane84
Date: 2007-05-30 20:59
Hi, Katie-
From one music student to another, I know exactly what you're talking about (as do many others I know).
What I try to think about, is that, firstly, it's not about you or your abilities - it's about the music. What I mean is, forget yourself and your fears and anxiety, and play the music. Always, when you're practising, play it as music and enjoy it, even if it's just a trill etude or something. Picture the music in your head and try to play that, don't worry what the others think or whatever - because that's what it's all about. Playing with others is a good idea too, as is the suggestion of playing simpler pieces. I've had some major embouchure problems the past year, and this is what I've been doing to keep my spirits up, sort of like: "you know it's fun, deep down there, you know it is!" Besides, at least I know I have the tendency to be more lenient of other people's playing than mine. Nobody plays perfect. Ever. Everybody make mistakes. Maybe you could make a recording of yourself, playing something you've practised, and then listen to it, pretending it's someone else: not that bad, is it?
Well, once I talked to a local clarinetist and teacher, great guy, great clarinetist, about exactly this subject; and he smiled (it was rather late one evening), patted me on the shoulder, and said: "Everybody has low self esteem. Everybody." So you see; there's hope!
(should I apologise for rambling? not really sure.)
-jane
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-05-31 14:09
Thanks Jane... and everyone!
No appologies are needed for rambling, isn't that what the BBoards are for?
I definitely need to find the fun. This year I've struggled more than ever before with tendonitis issues, and over the course of the year the fun was definitely lost. People around me, and more so I myself expected improvement at the same rate as people with no pain. And it just wasn't happening.
I think everyone does have low self esteem... somewhere inside. They just hide it with egos and make those of us who are honest about our anxiety feel worse!
I will try my best to find the fun and get back in to it...
And I am definitely looking in to community groups.
It's just going to be an uphill climb
THANKS
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2007-05-31 17:04
I thin a good private teacher would also be of help...one who you like and trust and is patient. Remeber you also want a teacher who gets the most out of you with ease...also look on polsitive side. A local band would be great or even playing in church of benefit. Blending with the voice is a great help as well so maybe some descant with a church choir.
David Dow
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-05-31 17:09
I really like my private teacher, but I'm home right now for the summer. He teaches me when I'm at university.
Thanks for the suggestion though.
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
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