A nice way to end a practice session

[Paul]

Following on from a previous posting about having fun. As a novice, i too practice scales and try to concentrate on being technically as good as i can be, at the level i am at.
But just recently i have been ending a session by taking off my glasses turning the lights out and just enjoying the sounds of the instrument. It dosn't matter what you do, or what sounds you make, but it is very theraputic and a really nice way to end a session.Just go with the flow for 10-15 mins
Paul

 

[ArtyLady]

Or put your favourite CD on and jam along

 

[Di in France]

I like to do that too, just play anything that comes into my mind,relax and enjoy it!.

 

[sushidushi]

I've started playing in the dark recently, too. There's something about shutting out visual distractions that makes it so peaceful.

 

[Captain Clive]

I play in the dark even when the lights on.

 

[sushidushi]

I play in the dark even when the lights on.

Well, yes, me too. I don't think the sax is really my instrument.

 

[sushidushi]

I mean, it belongs to me, but I'm worse than useless at trying to play it.

 

[Jamesmac]

I play in the dark even when the lights on.

I had to laugh when I read this But it's not uncommon. Many years ago I was fortunate to take some lessons with Donald Westlake, then principal Clarinet of the Sydney Sym. he described in a lesson how imagining yourself playing in a closed type of bubble helps your concentration. I think it was in ref to myself getting nervous wham playing a solo in public.
jamesmac

 

[trimmy]

It's a good idea what Artylady suggests (which i also do) i also put the radio on (smooth fm/jazz fm) and try to play along to the tracks being played. A lot of the times badly !

 

[Mike]

I sit in the dark and only imagine I'm playing the sax....I usually sound better!

 

[altissimo]

"just enjoying the sounds of the instrument. It dosn't matter what you do, or what sounds you make"

"just play anything that comes into my mind, relax and enjoy it"

there's more wisdom in those 2 sentences than you may think...

 

[Captain Clive]

Learning to play the sax is like waking up with a hangover - you know you will eventually get better.

 

[old git]

Paul,
If you need to take your glasses off to tell whether the light is on or not, you should try another optician.

Apologies for being serious.

 

[Jules]

I've started playing in the dark recently, too. There's something about shutting out visual distractions that makes it so peaceful.

It's also a really good way to encourage focussing on your sound- my old teacher used to recommend practicing tone excercises in the dark .. whcih made good sense to me....

 

[Ivan]

Does it count if you trip over your sax in the dark, then make a sound?

 

[sushidushi]

Does it count if you trip over your sax in the dark, then make a sound?

As long as you don't squeak too much. It's probably best to keep your reeds soaking at all times to prepare for the unexpected.

 

[MLoosemore]

... It's probably best to keep your reeds soaking at all times to prepare for the unexpected.

Stand by for the wet reeds debate to resume

 

[sushidushi]

Stand by for the wet reeds debate to resume

I thought it was about time.

 

[Kath]

This has come to mind for me all day today - nice post - thank you - I did try it too - Nice way to wind down . . . .