hrg96

I have just started to practice again after a layoff of over 20 years. I tried to jump in and practice like I used to and learned quickly that I am a beginner once again. I cut back and have been working light warmup routines and can now play 30-40 minutes comfortably before everything turns to gravel. I would like to get your opinion of my plan to get back into shape. My goal is to regain my former skill level (I was a serious performance major in college before taking alternative career path). I would like to really develop a full and clean classical tone and sound. I hope to play in local community orchestras or maybe do quintet/chamber playing.

1-2 months of 30 warm-up routine consisting of long tones, lip bends, lip flexibility, easy articulation exercises, chromatics (Clarke study 1). Work until able to do full routine without cracking or tiredness, currently takes 45 minutes doing 10 minutes playing with 5 minutes rest. Warm-down 5 minutes low C to G and some pedal tones down to C one octave below low C.
When this is solid move on to basic practice:
·10-15 minutes warm-up
·20 minutes Arbans systematically working through the book (2-4 pages starting at low tempo work up to faster tempo as prescribed by Mr. Arban)
·10 minutes Clarke (one study per week, I can play now other than range issues)
·Warm-down
When this is solid I will add 10-15 minutes of flexibility and range work (Charles Colin).
When I can do all of this I will add 10-15 minutes of Arbans Characteristic Studies and start playing solos (Hayden/Hummel/Carnival of Venice)

Comments/criticism welcome. I am much more patient and mature than the last time I did this. thanks.

ecarroll

hrg,

...a few very general comments since I don't know your level or where you were at previously.

1) Take things slowly and be patient. Many comebackers expect to regain what they had (or thought they had?) without respecting the process that got them there.

2) Rest as much as you play.

3) Keep a practice diary. It might surprise you when you review it in a month or two.

4) Rinse and repeat.

Best from sunny Montreal,
EC

hrg96

Thank you sir,
I appreciate your comments. I have not set dates to be back up to speed, but I have very quickly relearned the need for equal amounts of rest to playing. I have started a practice diary and I am very focused and eager to practice these days. I am realistically thinking it will take a full two years to really get technique and endurance up to the level I want. I played professionally doing mostly jazz and playing weddings (Purcell) when I stopped playing. I let my core skills get sloppy and want to correct that this time. Thanks again.