Dear jazz trombone friends, I just wanted to share an experience I had/am having with all of you, as it has been a life-changer for me (in a very good way!). About 4 years ago, after experiencing some on-going trouble with my playing/embouchure, and at the late brass guru Laurie Frinks suggestion, I saw a neurologist and was diagnosed with a mild case of Focal Dystonia of the embouchure. Meaning that with virtually any kind of attack, I would experience a slight uncontrollable convulsion in both the upper and lower lip, in/around the mouthpiece area. Recently, I had to take off three weeks from the horn after some fairly major surgery (all is cool). Coming back to playing was like being in 6th grade all over again, as I had never taken that much time off before. I was forced to go VERY slowly and to be VERY forgiving of myself and my chops, in a way like never before (I tend to be in a hurry sometimes!). I have been back on the horn for about two weeks now. As of about two days ago (after all this careful/slow practice), I felt a sudden jump in my ability to play again. Things now feel much more centered and comfortable than have felt in years!. Range, tonguing and flexibility are all returning. And perhaps something else has been offset regarding my dystonia. It was always a mild case in the first place. I dont know. I will say to anyone who has had to grapple with dystonia that there is always hope and other ways of dealing with it. Keep searching/asking questions! I got a lot of help these past few years from the late-great Laurie Frink, Joe Alessi, John Fedchock, Mike Davis and Dante Luciani. Thanks to all of you. You all great souls! My best to all of you struggling. Never quit! This beautiful horn is worth all of our efforts. -Pete
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 15:50:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015