Annie

I'm not looking for advice, I'm just seeing who else out there found themselves in a similar position for at least part of their lives.

Until recently, I pretty much measured my own self-worth through how well I played my instrument, and even felt like I had to play to have a good day...yeah, not so good. Don't know why, but it kinda grew into that over the years that I've played. I guess it kind of happens when you do it for so long (I'm running on 13 years now). THANK GOODNESS my teacher helped me get rid of that...but I was just wondering if anyone else felt something similar to that their life was kind of run by their instrument, or that they felt that they HAD to play, and there was no question? Or that they HAD to go into music, rather than choose it because that was what they liked to do?

stchasking

I felt like the horn ran my life when I was playing year around in a community concert band and a church orchestra. Lots of driving after work under time pressure. It became unfun.

gzent

Annie,

I can relate, very much so. Trumpet is not a hobby or entertainment, its a part of me. I have a day job, but if I can't play my horn at least a few minutes a day the day is just not complete.

Going to bed without playing the horn is like going to bed without supper, for lack of a better analogy.

Its the best way for me to get over a crappy, depressing day at work.
Everyday worries melt away when I put the horn to my lips.

When it comes to evaluating my playing I don't fixate on what I can't do, or all the great players who are so much better than I am, I strive to improve a little bit every time I pick up the horn and believe that in time more and more "doors will open" as my playing improves.

Last year was particularly rewarding as I joined two highly respected groups in the area I live (a brass quintet and an amazing R&B/rock band).

Greg

Tom Mac

Hello Annie, my names tom and I'm a hornoholic (trumpetholic to be more accurate). I've never tried to break my addiction and I never will. I'm happy when I'm playing. If I can't play for a day or, perish the thought, two I start having "ghost" feelings in my chops. It's like I need a trumpet fix.

When I was younger my identity was very wrapped up in the trumpet. Thank goodness I got over that!!

Now I just LOVE to play. Last week I played for a fashion show where the singer wanted a flueglehorn for 8 bars in Close to You (Burt Baccarac, you remember the tune). She was almost appologetic about asking me to spend my sunday afternoon waiting to play so little music. I told her if I'm asked to come play ONE NOTE I'm there.

I still like to get paid but for me the thrill is making the horn work and making music that others enjoy.

BTW When I played my 8 bars the models all clapped and cheered. It was great.

Annie

Cool, nice to know I'm not the only one.

Eclipsehornplayer

No Anne you are not the only one!

I'm like Gzent, I choose a different path in life so the trumpet is a hobby for me and my day gig is totally different. (Mainframe Systems Programmer)

I used to measure my self worth by how I played until a fine pro taught me better; thanks Alex!

Now I don't worry about or become fixated on trying to be like or sound like anything but me.

When I put the horn on my face; I just sing!

The trumpet is a demanding instrument and a day or two off will show; but I so enjoy playing that it's all worth it.

Stile442

I've been playing for so long that I can't even think about life without my horn. I think that a lot of trumpet players have this "addiction" and I think everyone of them will tell you they love being addicted and would not change it for the world. :)

Vulgano Brother

Yeah, trumpeting can be powerfully addicting, but it is one of the good ones (like exercise, for example.) Where even good addictions can cause problems is when they get us started on an ever-repeating cycle, and out of a forward moving continuum. This is how we end up with trumpeters claiming 20 years of experience, but in reality have one year of experience repeated 20 times.

What we're seeking is a kind of ascending spiral, where practice brings good results which makes it fun which leads us to practice more getting better results which makes in even more fun which leads us to practice even more getting fantastic results....

Onward and upward!

Tootsall

Ditto the above; someone said that now our main concert is over we can start taking it easy and, after June 1, take a 2 month break. I wondered "Why?... I look forward to my Thursday evenings with the band and wish it would keep up all summer long".

I find it (practicing, rehearsing OR performing) to be mentally and emotionally AND physically relaxing; and escape from all of the nagging worries of life.

I'm addicted... and I like it! One day I'll be looking for a place to retire to and you can bet that the decision will be partially based on where I can find a Community Band to play in.

rowuk

Gee Annie,
thanks for reminding me! Boy am I glad that my wife doesn't read this stuff!
I can't really get enough, have changed my focus though - I tell myself that I am playing for everyone elses pleasure!