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I should perhaps nuance my previous post.
On ability: I suck in comparison to those I consider to be (muchbetter sax players and to whose ability I still aspire to. At the same time, I'm content with my ability to play better than those who play less well than I do (see video).
On progress: If I don't feel I'm not making any progress, my motivation to play and practice decreases. In my experience, the progress that I've made has not been gradual but in fits and starts. I read/hear something that inspires me and my motivation to learn and practice increases. When I don't, my motivation drops and I go through the motions hoping something new will turn up. I'm still in awe of self-motivated and self-directed people. I discovered long ago that I'm one of those people who need external stimuli to keep me motivated. FWIW, whenever I feel that I'm in a slump, I've learned that it helps to actively seek out new inspiration: a new band, a new MD, a new tutor, etc.
To me, Jeanette's OP is an example of this: realizing you're in a slump, accepting it and finding some new inspiration. One of my other hobbies is photography and exactly the same applies too.
I play in two Big Bands who recently hired (by coincidence) the same new MD. He's competent, inspirational, motivates people and he helps us (individually, per section and as a band) to play better together. At each rehearsal, he lets us know how and where we've improved (individuals too) and he indicates things on which he still thinks need more work The difference between the new MD and the previous ones is truly amazing. He's a 'coach' in the sense that he fully accepts our limitations, invites and supports us to work on the things we can improve on - in order of priority - and complements us on the progress we make from week to week He's authentic and doesn't hesitate to note that some members have done too little practice. But all in all, he motivates people to practice and play better. A new tutor, MD or cafe post can often provide a kick-start to motivation.
My new MD doesn't (directly) help me play sax any better. But he does let me know how my tenor sax part/solo should sound and how the timing, balance, dynamics and interpretation of the piece could be improved. He gives tips to individuals and sections but leaves us to figure out how to play our instruments more skilfully (and listen and attune more carefully) to achieve that. In doing so, he inspires me to learn.
On ability: I suck in comparison to those I consider to be (muchbetter sax players and to whose ability I still aspire to. At the same time, I'm content with my ability to play better than those who play less well than I do (see video).
On progress: If I don't feel I'm not making any progress, my motivation to play and practice decreases. In my experience, the progress that I've made has not been gradual but in fits and starts. I read/hear something that inspires me and my motivation to learn and practice increases. When I don't, my motivation drops and I go through the motions hoping something new will turn up. I'm still in awe of self-motivated and self-directed people. I discovered long ago that I'm one of those people who need external stimuli to keep me motivated. FWIW, whenever I feel that I'm in a slump, I've learned that it helps to actively seek out new inspiration: a new band, a new MD, a new tutor, etc.
To me, Jeanette's OP is an example of this: realizing you're in a slump, accepting it and finding some new inspiration. One of my other hobbies is photography and exactly the same applies too.
I play in two Big Bands who recently hired (by coincidence) the same new MD. He's competent, inspirational, motivates people and he helps us (individually, per section and as a band) to play better together. At each rehearsal, he lets us know how and where we've improved (individuals too) and he indicates things on which he still thinks need more work The difference between the new MD and the previous ones is truly amazing. He's a 'coach' in the sense that he fully accepts our limitations, invites and supports us to work on the things we can improve on - in order of priority - and complements us on the progress we make from week to week He's authentic and doesn't hesitate to note that some members have done too little practice. But all in all, he motivates people to practice and play better. A new tutor, MD or cafe post can often provide a kick-start to motivation.
My new MD doesn't (directly) help me play sax any better. But he does let me know how my tenor sax part/solo should sound and how the timing, balance, dynamics and interpretation of the piece could be improved. He gives tips to individuals and sections but leaves us to figure out how to play our instruments more skilfully (and listen and attune more carefully) to achieve that. In doing so, he inspires me to learn.
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