How to practice when you can't

Kristin · Post by **Kristin** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 6:28 pm

I''m going to be leaving for treatment for a
medical condition on Tuesday, and though I WILL be able to play my flute some, I
won''t be able to nearly as much as I''d like. I will be gone for about 6
months, so that''s a long time to only be practicing every so often,
especially when I''d like to major in music therapy in college, in a year and
a half. So, my question is, are there any exercises or other *things* that I can
do so I can sort of "practice" while not technically playing? I may have access
to my flute, but not able to blow/make noise, but I don''t know for sure, yet.
If I don''t have the flute to at least do fingerings on, do you all have any
suggestions for me? Anything is welcome!! Thanks [:bigsmile:]

embum79 · Post by **embum79** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 7:22 pm

I'm not sure of any exercises or
anything you can do. Perhaps working on singing.. exercising your ear, so to
speak. And listen to as many CDs as you can! Familiarize yourself with the
classics. And read as much as you can.. Flute Talk magazine and anything else
you can get your hands on. By the end of 6 months I'm sure you'll be dying to
play!

johnbegud · Post by **johnbegud** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 8:24 pm

Read music theory books. Study scales
and styles of music and see how the flute fits in there. If you can't blow, you
can always practice the fingering, sort of memorizing it. You can also try other
wind instruments (recorder, Irish whistle) with easier embouchure. The other
night, I was just wondering how to practice the embouchure without really using
the flute. Maybe regular whistling would work or practice with just the flute's
head joint. vic

flutietootie4lyfe · Post by **flutietootie4lyfe** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 8:25 pm

Wow that sounds tough, I generally look
at music and just finger during school when i really need to learn something. it
helps. also i dont know how much breathing exercises you can do but "sip
breaths"(i can explain if ur unsure) help a lot This might be a little personal
but are you wiilling to give any detail;s on your medical treatment? GET WELL
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

Kristin · Post by **Kristin** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 8:40 pm

[quote] ---------------- On 3/4/2004
8:25:52 PM This might be a little personal but are you wiilling to give any
detail;s on your medical treatment? GET WELL SOOOOOOOOOOOOOON! ----------------
[/quote] Thanks [:)] I can tell you all, I guess. People tend to judge... I hope
you all won't. I'm going to a residential treatment center for depression and
anorexia. It's not a "normal" hospital, and they have a piano for patients to
play, so I think I'll be able to play on my own sometimes, but I don't know
how much free time we'll have. The good news is, once I get on a certain level
(there are levels of treatment), I can have private lessons of my choice-- so I
could get a flute teacher at that point. I'm not sure how long until that would
happen, though. Anyway, I appreciate your all's suggestions... I hadn't
thought of getting any books/magazines on the flute. That's a really good idea.
And a good excuse to go to the bookstore [;)] You all also reminded me that I
could work on memorizing my minor scales. I have my major scales memorized and
can play them well and all, but I've yet to memorize minor scales, so that's
something I could work on. Thanks for the ideas!! [:bigsmile:]

embum79 · Post by **embum79** » Thu Mar 04, 2004 10:19 pm

Kristin, I think you are so brave for
doing this. Although I won't even pretend to know what you're going through, I
will tell you I am also being treated for depression.. I know how difficult it
can be. Thanks for feeling like you can share with us. Will you have access to a
computer where you will be? Keep us updated if you can. I hope they allow you to
play your flute as much as you can.. if you're like me, music can be very
healing. Take care of yourself..

johnbegud · Post by **johnbegud** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 3:35 am

I suggest you don't concentrate much
on minor scales for now given the situation you are in. Minor scales depict
gloomy or sad feeling, which is why it has been heavily used in blues music. Try
listening (or if you can play also) to celtic music and gospel songs. You'll
feel better. Yeah, music is a form of healing and meditation, too. The Japanese
use shakuhachi in their meditation. Get well soon, Kristin.

woof · Post by **woof** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 8:25 am

Kristin- hope all goes very well for
you. I would hope they would let you bring your flute and play-have you asked?
At any rate best of luck and thank you for all your helpful suggestions to my
questions--best

Kristin · Post by **Kristin** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 3:18 pm

Thank you all for all your wonderful
responses!! It really means a lot [:bigsmile:] No, I will not have computer
access while there (at least for recreation). They said that I'm allowed to
RECEIVE emails, but not to SEND them... I don't know if that means I can access
my own email account, or they'll set one up so my family could email me. I
think, if I tell my primary therapist how theraputic the flute can be for me,
she'll tell the house mother to let me... but I can never be sure. *crosses
fingers* Thanks for the advice on the minor scales... maybe I'll hold off on
those. I still need to get to the bookstore to see if I can find some flute
and/or music magazines [;)] Again, thank you all soooo very much for your kind
responses *hugs to all*

ick27 · Post by **ick27** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 4:37 pm

I think one of the best things you can
do is listen to lots of good music. Not just to flute music, but to orchestal
music, opera, whatever you like. I really think this does a lot for one's
playing, and it's very enjoyable too! By the way, don't think that you'll
lose the ability to play flute or anything like that if you can't play for a
few months. Many famous flutists either gave up the flute for a while or went
long periods without playing and started again later (Debost and Rampal come to
mind.) That said, I can't believe they wouldn't let you play your flute. Maybe
you'll be busy with other stuff, but definitely bring it along.. I'm sure
you'll get chances to practice. -Bradford

Crazy · Post by **Crazy** » Fri Mar 05, 2004 8:04 pm

Kristin, take care of yourself and get
better and soon you be playing the flute whenever you want too. I like the
suggestion getting books & magazines about music & the flute...great idea.

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 9:42 am

Kristine~ I just wanted to say I am so
proud of you for getting the help that you need. I am familiar with both
depression and anorexia. I have 2 family members being treated for depression
and I have a sister that suffers from anorexia. My daughter did a report on
anorexia last year for school. I learned a lot while she was working on that. I
think you got a lot of helpful advice about taking some books, CD's etc. I
would bet if they have a piano there they would probably let you play your flute
occasionally also. Best of luck to you. ((HUGS)) Kim

Kristin · Post by **Kristin** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 9:53 am

I'm leaving for the airport in 3 hours
and am very nervous, heh. I just wanted to say thank you, again, for all your
kind and encouraging words. They mean a lot. My mom asked the admissions guy if
I could bring my own music, and he said, "We would like that very much." So that
looks like a good sign, right? I sure hope so [;)] I'll be back in 5-9 months,
and hopefully will be better both emotionally and musically [;)]

Kim · Post by **Kim** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 10:48 am

Good Luck Kristin. This is a huge but
important step you are taking. I will be thinking about you and keeping positive
thoughts for you !! We will be here when you get back:) Kim [quote]
---------------- On 3/9/2004 9:53:18 AM I'm leaving for the airport in 3 hours
and am very nervous, heh. I just wanted to say thank you, again, for all your
kind and encouraging words. They mean a lot. My mom asked the admissions guy if
I could bring my own music, and he said, "We would like that very
much." So that looks like a good sign, right? I sure hope so [;)] I'll
be back in 5-9 months, and hopefully will be better both emotionally and
musically [;)] ---------------- [/quote]

flutietootie4lyfe · Post by **flutietootie4lyfe** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 6:25 pm

I admire yourt strength good luck!