Refreshing

[fluteguy18]

So,

It's been... oh wow. 7 months since I have played my instrument (outside the requisite lesson I had every week until school ended). I got it out today and to be honest... I was scared to death. Realizing that your dream was an unhealthy one (for me it was at least) is really difficult. (I'll spare those who don't know the details why, and those who have a rough idea can understand why). Today however I finally caved to feelings I've been fighting for weeks. I wanted to play again. So I did. I wanted first and foremost to see if I still had 'fingers' and decided to test it with one of the runs from the Jolivet I played in my auditions. I whipped right through it. Technically, that was the best that I ever played it (except my tone).

My chops are shot, my tone is airy and unfocused. My articulation is heavy and cumbersome. But my fingers are still there. And you know what?

?

It was wonderful. I've been in the culinary field for the past 7 months and I decided to leave it for many reasons. I find myself wanting to be back in music again, but never as a performer. I'm ready to pursue flutemaking and flute repair once my wife graduates in December. It's what I really want to do I think. It's a music career, but it's far enough away from the things that trigger my anxiety problems. So when my wife finishes school, hopefully a job will be waiting in January. Hopefully.

Oh yeah! Did I tell you guys I got married?

[fluttiegurl]

Congratulations all around! I took a year off from playing once, so I completely understand the emotions that come with both not playing and playing again. Now, you can have the joy of playing for the most important person in the world,, you. I know you will do great in whatever you do.

[Phineas]

Fluteguy18

It is the time away from music that makes musicians better artists. It is the same for anything. Some of the best times I had playing was practicing while waiting on a bus before I went to the factory. Or playing on the roof at lunch time.

Yes, you did. At least you told us you were engaged!

http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopi ... it=engaged

Congratulations!....again.

Phineas

[Classitar]

Great news! Congratulations!

[pied_piper]

Oh yeah! Did I tell you guys I got married?

Congratulations! I hope marriage is as good for you as it has been for me after 37 years.

My chops are shot, my tone is airy and unfocused. My articulation is heavy and cumbersome. But my fingers are still there.

You'll get the chops back pretty quickly. It's really like riding a bike!

I find myself wanting to be back in music again, but never as a performer. I'm ready to pursue flutemaking and flute repair once my wife graduates in December. It's what I really want to do I think. It's a music career, but it's far enough away from the things that trigger my anxiety problems. So when my wife finishes school, hopefully a job will be waiting in January. Hopefully.

You may be surprised, but I'll bet that you get the urge to perform again. Perhaps not competitively, but a big part of the enjoyment of music is sharing that joy of playing with others. I never pursued a performance career but I was a teacher for some years. When I changed to a computer career, I enjoyed it but found that something was missing from my life - PLAYING MUSIC! I'm more involved musically now than I have ever been. I play in my church orchestra every week, I get hired to perform at weddings and funerals, I perform and compete in the amateur competition at the annual Flute Faire in my area, I play in a community band, I get together with friends to jam or gig occasionally, and next week I'm going to the NFA conference in Charlotte. The big thing is that I do it because I enjoy it and have fun with it. It's a challenge but it's not work!

You got burned out and that took the joy from playing. I believe it will come back to you.

Also, when I was teaching, I ran a small repair shop from home. I don't repair as a business any longer, but I still do repairs for myself, family and friends because I really like to work with my hands. If you'd like to discuss it off-forum, I'd be glad to do so. Just PM me...

[Fox]

Congrats fluteguy18!!

[Mark]

It is indeed an interesting set of emotions that come when you pick it up again...
I laid my instruments aside for many years as I ran from who I am.

Get your chops back and see what comes.
I suspect you will find that performing in some capacity will dovetail nicely with
making flutes.

Congrats on the marriage too!


mark

[Kshel]

I just got married too, fluteguy. Congratulations.

[cflutist]

FG, congrats again (already saw your wedding pics on FB).

I echo PP's comments. You can always have a love of music and play as much or as little as you want. I stopped playing for 15 years, then picked it up again and joined a community college band and orchestra back in 1989 (when my ex started teaching a night computer class there). The orchestra is made up of college students and old folks like myself with day jobs (well I had a day job). The principal winds are all "old" people. The orchestra has given me several performance opportunities e.g. Mozart Concerto in G, Mozart Flute and Harp Concerto, and most recently the Cimarosa Concerto for Two Flutes (the other flutist is a retired CPA) which is on YouTube.

I also host "Flute Fests" at my house where we get together and sightread flute choir music. Flutists show up with their Alto, Bass, and Contra Bass flutes. Lots of fun.

I wish you the very best to what the future holds. You have been a great asset to this board with all your helpful information.

[Bo]

FG, congrats again (already saw your wedding pics on FB).

What is FB? (EDIT: oh, Facebook of course... I just associated the F with "flute"... )
Congratulations, fluteguy18!

[asoalin]

Congrats on getting married! Wishing you many decades of "newlywed" bliss!

That's great that you are enjoying flute playing again. Sometimes breaks are just as important as practice. Flute repair sounds like a great path for you with your playing experience and your hands-on ability (I'm assuming since you are in the culinary field). Good luck to you!