How many of you keep up your playing??

[Howie J]

I put this in Remote since I'm speaking a little more classical/jazz. I have degrees in both engineering and music ed (trumpet main applied inst). When I graduated, I made a small promise to keep practicing to maintain a level of trumpet performance ability. Why waste all those hours spent in the woodshed to just have the horn sit around.

I have a mostly full time job as a tech director, which gives me access to my "practice" room....our auditorium at work. I try to squeeze in an hour or two of personal practice/playing a day. Even though my quintet folded recently I still play in a funk band which rehearses for 2-3 hours once a week and now gigging once a month or so.

How many of you allocate time to keep your chops up and actively perform??

...and do you advertise it equally with your recording? separate?

I've been thinking of re-doing my website/etc. and I notice a lot of classical/remote recorders speak highly of their classical/formal training. I like the idea and like to think that helps.

Howie J

[Karl Jackson]

Best of luck keeping your chops in shape. After school, I played (trumpet also) with local orchestras for about 7 years before I got to the point where I just didn't have the time to keep my chops in shape and play the way I knew I could. Between work, getting a second degree, and trying to have a home life, it's tough to find the time.

I've always thought, though, that for classical/jazz work that one really should have a solid performing background. I would definitely hold my classical musical training up as a major strength when advertising, but probably not advertise my services as a player along with my services as an engineer, since doing so seems to blur the focus of the business.

kj

[DannyL]

I am not a classical player, but I did go through a couple years of college level music theory and composition. I still play every day and perform regularly with my band and a few side projects.

My abilities as a player absolutely are an asset to my recording business, especially when I am hired as a producer/engineer. It gives me a certain degree of credibility.

Danny

[Uncle Russ]

I am a clarinetist and recording engineer specializing in jazz. I practice three hours a day, an average of 360 days per year. I can play like a son of a gun ... at the expense of competent mastering skills. Luckily my friend, Ben Maas, helps with that. (And, let me tell you, Ben is nothing less than superb!)

[Tommy-boy]

I keep playing. My piano chops are not what they once were, but I'm not that far behind that I couldn't play anything with some practice.

[roonsbane]

I gave up my trumpet playing years ago. Having studied with the renowned Bill Stanley for 4 years as a member of the Hall High Band in Connecticut. Though I had received several scholarships in school on the trumpet and probably had more of a gift of natural talent on it, my love for the guitar has always taken precedence. Trumpet is not an instrument to be played part time. I was 5 semesters into a performance degree when I switched to Music Production and Engineering back in 1990.

My last regular gig was the Steely Dan cover band "The Fez" back in Boston in the late 90's. You gotta keep your chops off if you are going to pretend to play all those kick ass guitar parts. These days I still try and play my guitar every day, and recently Chris Brown the principle bass players for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra has said he wants to break out his P Bass and jam a bit with me and a few other folks very soon. I am looking forward to that. Since we are always working on the weekends, (him playing, me recording him playing) we know it's just for fun.
Cameron

[klaukholm]

Chris is an excellent bassist and an equally excellent singer.
I met him a few times in houston and richmond. He may or may not remember me, but give him my best regards from scandinavia regardless.

[henryrobinett]

I keep my chops up, more or less. I try to practice a couple of hours a day. But I still define myself primarily as a musician anyway.

[videoteque]

I hit the drums, but don't consider myself a drummer in any way!!!

There should be a Remote Recording Forum Big Band!!!

[Remoteness]

I used to play the electric bass, and I still buy instruments from time to time, but I buy more basses than play them...

One day, I will find the time to jam with some friends and enjoy the fact that my fingers can still move on the fret board.

[Howie J]

Thanks for the responses. I had been up and down with my playing since last summer. Had a bout of what the ENT doc said was TMJ which can be brutal for brass players...and singers. Got one of those night guards from the dentist to stop destroying my teeth at night...problems gone. Nice to play without pain.

Hopefully I can actually get some playing down on "tape" soon. That's why I bought my ribbons in the first place.

Howie J

[Teejii]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

I used to play the electric bass, and I still buy instruments from time to time, but I buy more basses than play them...

Interesting. Would you brighten a fellow bass players day with picture of your collection?

To the original question, I try to play with a creative mindset for atleast an hour a day, but as I suffer from insomnia, I have nothing else to do during the night than practice.

[klaukholm]

While we wait for Steves pics, here is my baby.
It is a Lockey Hill, late 1700s

[Marik]

I have a PhD (abd) in classical piano performance. Still give concerts, although it becomes harder and harder to find time to practice.

Here is a live recording from my last recital last April.
Rachmaninov, Moments Musicaux Op.16, no. 2, 4, 5, 6:

http://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index....0;attach=6588

Best, Mark Fouxman
Samar Audio & Microphone Design

[Howie J]

Originally Posted by klaukholm

While we wait for Steves pics, here is my baby.
It is a Lockey Hill, late 1700s

Well, if we're showing....

-Bach Strad 37 Bb, Monette B2S3 or B2L for Lead playing

-Stomvi Mahler Titanium C, Monette C2S3

-Stomvi Elite Bb/A Piccolo, Monette AP4LD

Howie J

[MidasHatesGold]

I gain a few bucks extra in teaching drums...it updates my skills and forces me to practise, otherwise my students will be better than me someday

...and I just joined a big band (swing/latin/modern jazz) which is fun and challanging

the job isn´t all...music is the best

regards

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by Teejii

Interesting. Would you brighten a fellow bass players day with picture of your collection?...

I guess I better take some pictures then...

[dtf]

I have found that after listening to music all the time it can be very healthy to play again, keeping it in balance.

Having said that, I sold my saxophone about a year ago...

The plan is to get a really nice one again somewhere in the future!

Dirk

[tombray]

I play a few hours of guitar a week, but sadly, it tends to be more work orientated than for pleasure. Been meaning to pick up my flute again lately after a long absence.

[DonM]

Classical guitarist here. I gig on and off and still teach workshops. I have found that my practicing is far more focused now that I am so busy.

I'd add that I never record myself - but have a Zoom H4n that is perfect for capturing and reviewing rehearsals.

-D

[PlugHead]

Since relocating south, I actually gig more than in strictly recording/production.

Tho I don't have loads of opportunity to practice anymore (3 kids can do that to you), I gig 8-12 times/month, so that keeps me in shape, and otherwise I hit the gym now that the snow and cold has stopped my cycling regime.

I just did double duty this weekend with recording/engineering a live album, and playing on it throughout. Tough gig, but when the chips are down I do it all!

BTW - B.Mus.Perf. from McGill - this yr. makes 2 decades since graduation...