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I am doing less playing in lockdown, am I on my own with this.

I think alot of people are suffering from a form of depression and anxiety (not talking on here but in general). and then they are having difficulty motivating themselves to do things they enjoy!
I know artists (absolutely brilliant ones) that cant get themselves into the frame of mind to paint, musicians that cant get themselves into the frame of mind to play and gardeners that have let their garden get overgrown lately.

and its all down to Isolation! As humans we are social creatures (yes even me who has never liked being in crowds). and we need the touch or company of others! Isolation isnt easy!

The Virus hasn't killed music as such, social isolation has killed the passion to play music!
(please don't take my opinion on what ive seen as something to be offended at, its merely an observation and opinion)
 
Nick Wyver said:
Half of the 10 mins I did the other day was this:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw3xmdCuZ1g

and a similar amount of time was spent about a week ago doing this:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxC69RD_4NY

Well, once you've wandered around the garden a couple of times and noodled a bit on soprano, what then? Do it again? It's not appealing much to me.
On listening to the windy flowery one a friend suggested I should do something to waves on the beach. That seems to be getting a bit too close to "new age" stuff for my liking. However, it's a reason to wander down to the beach and record some waves as part of my daily exercise, so I might do it anyway. But it looks like rain today, so some other time.
Click to expand...

Much as I enjoyed your soprano playing, forget sax stuff for the moment, and lets get to the real important issue.

Where can I get a pair of trousers like those ??????
 
I'm struggling a lot and I think @Hammie 1982 is correct. Whilst I live on my own and have done so for 35 years, I'm still a social creature that likes / needs / wants to mix and socialise. I know I can be grumpy and awkward at times, but ever since I joined my first astronomical society as a young teen in 1974, I'v been in groups/societies that meet every week. I haven't been to any kind of rehearsal etc for nearly 2 months now. The only time I've left the house in the last 5 weeks has been for my mum's and my own shopping, a physio appointment, and dashing over to mum on Sunday because she'd fallen and sorting that and an ambulance out.

I've been on a couple of online lectures, I've watched a few tuition videos. I bit the bullet and arranged an online bass lesson with the local rock school (yeah - talk about weird...). Should have been at 3pm this afternoon. They messaged me this morning to set-up payment etc. Then at 1pm said oops tutor had forgotten his wife's birthday and could they postpone to next week...

When you are struggling with things, set-backs like that don't help.

Meanwhile my alto is misbehaving (I think it's something to do with the mechanism (spring?) that lifts the G sharp key cup as it's not lifting enough and it's 'wobbling'. Does the same with the octave key down. The G sharp is not sticking. They've said they'll sort it out free-of-charge as it shouldn't have happened (I'm sure it's an easy fix for an experienced hand). Trouble is of course when will I be able to get to them to have it done? At least a few weeks away I suspect.
 
tenorviol said:
Meanwhile my alto is misbehaving (I think it's something to do with the mechanism (spring?) that lifts the G sharp key cup as it's not lifting enough and it's 'wobbling'. Does the same with the octave key down. The G sharp is not sticking. They've said they'll sort it out free-of-charge as it shouldn't have happened (I'm sure it's an easy fix for an experienced hand). Trouble is of course when will I be able to get to them to have it done? At least a few weeks away I suspect.
Click to expand...
Have you got a screw in a 'sliding slot' above the G# cup?
It could be that which is loose.
 
I must confess that it got to me this week. Being in wholesale hardware distribution, I've been inundated trying to keep my customers informed and supplied as much as possible with masks and disposable gloves. Our governor this week mandated the wearing of masks by retail employees so emails and calls were coming and going at a furious pace. It went from morning and into the evenings throughout the week and was mentally exhausting. I had no energy left for the horn and cancelled my practice session for this week. Funny thing is that this morning I woke up wanting to play again as soon as possible. I'm hoping my office work will subside early today so that I can get some time in.
 
The lack of social contact is having its effect on me as well. I adore my wife, but I miss seeing friends, other family and bandmates. I am slacking a bit on some things I do regularly, but there two activities I am keeping up with. One is work, because I need to make a living and the other is playing and practicing. It makes me happy, lifts my spirits and gives me an outlet. I've been playing a lot of blues. It feels good to make progress and improve.
 
The answer may be to get lessons. The greatest players get lessons. When I was a kid who loved music (my grandad was a professional trumpeter) If I had a chance I would speak to old wise professional musicians (mostly classical) and was amazed to find out that the genius old man / woman would get lessons and I would wonder how old their teacher must be.

I booked some lessons with Ross Hughes a talented multi-instrumentalist and composer in N Somerset. It got me back into playing big time and sorted out a back/ neck problem I had due to poor posture.

A couple of lessons from someone you admire over Zoom might reignite things.

In fact I have tried the Jazzfactory Zoom sessions the first one was good and I see the second one is being split by ability which may be even better:

Jazz Factory – Weekly Jazz Workshop for Instrumentalists and Vocalists

playjazzweekend.co.uk playjazzweekend.co.uk
 
So further to my post above where i was saying it was my opinion that there was a social distancing element to people not playing due to an almost "depression". I have come to the conclusion that i am correct! I'm back at work since Monday, and my head is alot straighter and more settled! Yes i played alot while i was at home (10 weeks at home) but i was drinking more (Whiskey, Beer Gin, wine etc) so maybe that was having an effect also. But im back working now and happily feeling better in my own self!

Hope your all well and that in the next few weeks, you will all get back to an assemblance of normality and get your musical tallents flowing!

Neil
 
Well with a bit of solidarity with Nick thought I would post my new slippers (birthday present),not sure I like the finish, unlaquered but they sure are comfy.


IMG_0080.JPG
 

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