So I've decided to get serious

Callidor · Post by **Callidor** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:40 pm

As those who have read some of my previous posts may know, I've been playing flute for about 2 and a half years now, but only as a minor hobby. I've never had any formal instruction, and, as a result, I don't think I've really improved very much since hitting a certain level of competence a while ago. Over the summer, I played some shows in an indie-folk band that I'm a part of along with some friends, but that's about as serious as I've ever gotten.

Well, I recently decided that I want to take the flute more seriously. I really love the instrument, and I want to be able to "fluently" express myself with it. I go to a small liberal arts college with a strong music program (though I myself am a philosophy major) and I'm planning on beginning formal lessons (hopefully for credit) as early as next semester.

In the meantime, however, I've already received one preliminary lesson from a friend of mine who is an outstanding flutist. I ran into him earlier today and asked if he wouldn't mind following up on it. He agreed. So now the general plan is to have approximately weekly lessons for the rest of the semester.

As this is obviously a long-term goal, I've asked a few friends to make sure I stick with it (give me a good sturdy reprimand if I ever slack off) - and now I suppose I'm further solidifying the goal for myself by writing it down here. I fully intend to keep up regular lessons for the duration of my college years and beyond. Even if I never wind up playing in any formal context, that's totally fine. This is about pursuing something I care deeply about, and having a means by which to express whatever artistic and emotional energies I may possess.

Any and all words of encouragement (and especially advice) are welcomed.

Sonata · Post by **Sonata** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:57 pm

If you want to get past that certain level of competence you need to step out of you comfort zone. Try playing music you don't even like. Join a band that never had a flute player before. Start your own quartet. Find parts written for other instruments and transpose and learn them. Find musicians that are ten times better than you and start hanging out with them. Only date flutists.

Basically get in over your head and learn to swim.

Words of encouragement: GOYA

_________________
Flutes and Piccolos

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 8:25 pm

"Only date flutists."

Umm.... no. One flute player is enough drama for a relationship.

Phineas · Post by **Phineas** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:55 am

fluteguy18 wrote:"Only date flutists."

Umm.... no. One flute player is enough drama for a relationship.

LMBAO!!!!!!!!