| I've always thought this was an interesting topic, so pardon me if I chime in with my $.02.
When I was a full-time university teacher ('97-'03), I used to try to take a day off every week or so. At the time, I really thought it worked for me, but I didn't have full-time performing demands. It allowed me to stay fresh (both mentally and physically) and the day after, I felt great and was really motivated to get the horn out.
Right now, with a different set of demands, I take a day off only when I have a lip problem. I tend to have trouble with a split upper lip every now and then and practicing when it is raw is counterproductive. In general, when I can't play well, spending a couple of hours on the horn just makes me upset and doesn't solve any problems. That being said, I generally feel fairly consitent, so I don't wind up taking many days off at all (maybe an average of 1 per month).
I think it is a very individual thing, depending on:
1. Your demands as a player
2. Your level of advancement
3. Whether you are dealing with fatigue, an injury, or just mental burnout
IMHO, it's a gray area. Manny, what do you do when you have a week's vacation?
- Josh |