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Originally Posted by trumpet blower88  Ever since college started, I feel like I'm getting worse at trumpet. I've had such a busy schedual that I have hardly anytime to practice, maybe 2 hours a week (outside of rehersals). I've been getting about 4 to 5 hours of sleep at night, and I feel like all the friends I have up here really don't seem to give a crap about me.
I have my lesson tomarow, so I wen't up to the practice rooms to squeeze in a litle bit of practice time. I ended up just sitting there crying for an hour because I can't play anything that I'm doing for lessons tomarow. So I just gave up and came here asking for advice. I really don't know what to do. (other than take less classes next semester... but i can't do that untill next semester.)
I'm really not looking forward to my lesson tomarow. I just wish playing my trumpet would be fun again like it used to be... |
Hey, I know the feeling. It's been a difficult transition to college for me as well, and practicing schedules are definitely crazy these days. I find that I have to squeeze-in practice sessions, but I've learned that every little bit counts. If you have only ten minutes or so between classes, buzz a mouthpiece. It may also help to break up your practicing, like doing several short sessions instead of one long practice session. Weekends are the only times where I can sit and play for hours at a time, but it definitely is worth it if I can do as much as possible during the busy week. If I know that I cannot get a practice in with a few hours (either the rooms are full or something else keeps me from it)...I'll nap and then practice later (because sleep is so important).
But amongst all of that, don't forget to take care of yourself...and don't beat yourself up. When I was frustrated once, my director said this, "Playing an instrument is like lighting a room of candles. You light one every time you improve at something. At first each candle makes a big difference, but after a while it can be hardly noticeable. The important thing to remember is that there is a change, if only a slight one."
I'm a first-year music major, so I can completely understand everything you're going through. I hope I've helped.