Wednesday, October 12, 2011


In order for one to remember to keep working on a vital needed part to one's playing, it is necessary that they be applied in all circumstances, especially if those things are air support and embouchure structural support. When students just 'casually pick up the horn and start mindlessly playing, they are going back to their default system. This system might not be the one they need to keep reinforcing! Integration of new ideas, comments or techniques are not part of the automatic systems yet and need to be taken up every time the person plays or practices or rehearses. I know it is difficult, but it can be done.

Even when I say to students to write down on a piece of paper what you want to remember and look at what you want to consciously activate and add into your 'useful' habit life, it still can take a long time if the person is not constantly at it themselves on their own without me breathing down their neck.

That is why it is important to practice 'correctly' in small bits so it doesn't get overwhelming and the new habit can be formed without pressure in natural way. Again, oftentimes it is the power of the person's will and desire that comes into play or not. That will and desire holds the person to the task and see that it is done as good and as regularly as possible. Without this, nothing will really form the next steps to continuing growth. That makes it pretty tough on the teacher and ultimately the student will end up suffering the most.

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