Ugh. Hi there :)

[Adraya]

So, my name is Adraya. Not my real name, but it sure feels like it sometimes.

I played the flute in public school, dabbled in the piccolo, which I adored and loved. I ended up pregnant right before most of my college auditions. Despite being pregnant, I just didn't cut it when I did preform for them. I was horribly disappointed. I hardly played into my pregnancy because of disappointment and it was way to hard to breathe correctly (Lol!). So, times got tough, being in college and being a mom... and I...

Am so ashamed to say...

I sold my flute.

Almost three years later, I'm missing it more and more. I've cried over how I've sold it, and how I don't play anymore. I want to get started again, but I really did not love playing on my own, and did enjoy competing very much. I'm scared that I can't find community/private sources to do that aspect at my level/age/area. This, of course, causes me despair.

That said, I'm curious as to what others do to enjoy their music... And, words of hope and encouragement will always be welcome!

[Phineas]

Almost three years later, I'm missing it more and more. I've cried over how I've sold it, and how I don't play anymore. I want to get started again, but I really did not love playing on my own, and did enjoy competing very much. I'm scared that I can't find community/private sources to do that aspect at my level/age/area. This, of course, causes me despair.

That said, I'm curious as to what others do to enjoy their music... And, words of hope and encouragement will always be welcome!

I do not know where you are. In most cities there are always community orchestras, flute clubs/societies, private ensembles, duets, bands, etc..... I play flute plenty, but I play alternative music mostly. This has given me lots of variety and opportunities to play. I play in Jazz, Classical, Blues, Rock, Latin/Brazilian, Duets, etc..... There are lots of groups out there that like to use flute as an "Add mood/flavor to the song" instrument. Heck. I even play with drum circles at the park. To make it short, the more flexible your are as a player, the more opportunities you will have to play.

Just get a flute and play the d**n thang. Have fun and let your social skills do the rest. You will find a places to play and/or people to play with!

Welcome to the board!

Phineas

[Bo]

Start again, buy a new flute, love it as much as you loved the first one...
It's never too late to start again....
You might be able to find groups in real life, otherwise, well, we are here...
Welcome!

[Zevang]

I'm so with the others! Nothing to add, go for it!

[asoalin]

I'm not sure how old you are, but we are probably in the same age bracket. I just finished college with a science degree (I'm 27 now), and have started taking flute lessons for the first time in my life (I had only played in middle/high school band then off and on by myself while in college). I'm playing in a recital in a few months, but other than that I don't have any big plans. I just play because I love it so much. If an oppotunity comes along to play the flute, I play (sometimes it's just getting together with a friend who plays an instrument to play duets). Flute is my hobby, so I try not to overplan it...it would make it feel like work! I like Phineas' advice...just play the d**n thing! My advice would be to 1) buy a flute, 2) start taking lessons if you can, and 3) focus on your successes, not what you wish you could play RIGHT now! (I should take that last bit of advice myself!)

This board is amazing, so come by often...you will learn a lot here!

[Adraya]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll have to start looking for one!

I'm really lucky that I probably won't need to take some sort of classes right away. I know enough that about technique that I could probably do a few months of just having to re-teach myself.

Thanks for your encouragement!

[fingerbun]

Hi, great to see you doing this.

One other thing to consider, because from your original post I take it you are a good musician who just got rusty.

After many years as a paid musician on electric bass, I took up double bass about three years ago - something I had always wanted to do - and I had to deal with the feeling of being a beginner again. First this meant lowering my standards for myself because I was so out of my comfort zone...both new music and the classical paradigm, which is very different from most contemporary styles...and I still have a way to go on that one. Secondly because I am not as proficient I need to be less fussy about who I play with.

There were moments when I thought "this is crazy" but overall the journey has been worth it. I now get paid to play double bass, and while I am still one of the lesser members in one of my orchestras I am a stronger member in the other one and can start to feel good about what I am playing. I have also come to really appreciate the culture of community music, and be much less elitist.

I am starting the same journey now with flute, though with comparatively low aspirations so less of a challenge.

Hopefully my experience gives you a light at the end of the tunnel for those moments where you are frustrated at having to relearn things. In any case, I am sure the great moments will outweigh all that.