Staying in shape over 5 days

[Jerry Freedman]

shortly I will have to spend 5 (possibly 6) days in the hospital. I don't think bringing trumpet with me would be a good idea. Its kind of noisy and hospitals aren't build for security and I can see someone walking off with it. I also have no idea how good I will feel. How can I stay in reasonably playing shape, so I don't have to start all over again when I get out.

[Al Innella]

Hi Jerry,sorry you have to go to the hospital.The last time I was away from the trumpet for a week,using the P.E.T.E helped me keep my embouchure muscles from weakening as much as they would have done.It,s not the same as using the horn,but it did help shorten my return to playing.

Have quick recovery,all my best Al.

[Robert P]

Given your posting since date clearly you're not a beginner. Besides that I'm sure there's no way they're going to let you play a trumpet in a hospital, I wouldn't worry about it. You're not going to forget how to play in a week. The break will probably do you good.
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[Andy Cooper]

If you are a professional with an engagement the day after you leave the hospital - you may have a problem.

If not, trust me, nothing really bad will happen.

My college teacher used to talk about "learning in repose".

OK - maybe I've "reposed" a little too much in the last few years - still you will not forget how to play in 7 days.

Take some good CD's and listen to your favorite brass groups. Take sheet music to practice fingering.

(If you find your high register has magically improved after the break, do a post in Mouthpieces and we will have a discussion about rim choice.)

[snichols]

Combining what Al and Robert said, I don't know the extent of your medical issue, but if it's anything around or in your abdomen or neck, I wouldn't do anything more than a PETE or pencil exercises. Wouldn't do any blowing or straining your chest, abs, neck, etc...

If it's something like a foot injury or something where playing wouldn't potentially agitate your issue, I think the only way to do something would be using a practice mute. And that's only if you're lucky enough to have your own room and if they let you close the door. If you're sharing a room, you won't want to bother your roommate with extra noise.

Otherwise, just take a break. You won't actually be starting from the beginning. With only a week off it should only take a day or two to get back in the saddle with playing.

[snichols]

[Brad361]

[kehaulani]

Done it, and seen it done, many times. Don't sweat it. "Enjoy" the break.

Sorry to hear of your hospital stay. Hope it's nothing that can't be resolved. Good time to do some quality listening, though.

(But if you're exceptionally technique obsessed, PETE, pencil exercise, fingering (and tonguing) existing music, are all non-intrusive possibilities. Another thing not mentioned, is that there are hand exercisers for therapy that you can use.)
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[Andy Del]

Geese, like others have said, take the break and enjoy it.

I've been in a cardiac unit since last Tuesday, and I know I will be able to play once I am released... the rather important issue is your health! Deal with that, and the playing will be fine!

Cheers

Andy
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[cheiden]

Coming back from a break can be a great opportunity for learning. I wouldn't think it'd be more than a couple weeks until you're back to 100%.
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[jimjehu]

I was hospitalized a few years ago. Begged and pleaded to practise. Doctors and nurses agreed to a trial. Yamaha silent brass passed the test. Staff from all over the hospital came in to see this mad man and trumpet.

[Crazy Finn]

[Seymor B Fudd]

[HornnOOb]

Job one is to recover and get well. A week or so away from the trumpet under the circumstances, is nothing to worry about. Hell, I haven't played in 5 days just because I'm feeling lazy. Often, a break in playing does the chops good to recover a bit.

Get well soon!
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[Andy Del]

[Vin DiBona]

Three weeks ago today, I had a kidney removed and spent 6 days in the hospital.
I am not a working pro and never once thought of bringing a horn in to practice for a number of reasons. Mainly. there could be someone struggling for life and shouldn't be subject to some musician practicing. A week off is not going to really harm you.
When I got home I buzzed the mouthpiece and did some very quiet Stamp and Chicowicz studies. In a couple of days I was pretty much back to normal but not healed enough to participate in the Evanston (Il) Symphony Orchestra's performance of Mahler's second symphony last Sunday as one of the off-stage trumpets.
Rest in the hospital. Think of music and heal.
Good luck and I hope everything goes well.
R. Tomasek

[deleted_user_680e93b]

I take time off all the time because of work and family commitments. I'm not a pro, but i get paid all the time to play. I have found that since adjusting to the Bill Adam approach to playing that time off really isn't a big deal. I always go back to the basics which for me starts with leadpipe buzzing.
If i am doing it correctly the chops respond. so i spend a little extra time getting the pipe to buzz and it's off to the races.
I remember a story about Don "Jake" Jacoby, having not played for years but was asked to play at a party or reunion and was blowing DHC's and playing beautifully. I thought how is that possible. Now i know, when you learn how to do something correctly it isn't that hard to go back. I used to play golf 7 days a week, play the course or practice, literally, 7 days a week. I would routinely shoot 75 or better, I was single, lol.
I play now about 2 or 3 times a year with my kids, i can still break 90 easily and have broken 80 a few times as well in the past few years. I learned how to hit a ball properly and after a couple of buckets of balls i can hit the ball almost as well. when i make the putts i shoot good scores.
Taking time off is a good thing, especially if you know how, what and when to practice. borrowed that from John M, and mr gordon.
good luck

regards,

tom

[trombahonker]

I would just take the time off and be happy to have a good excuse.

When you come back, spend more time playing long tones quietly than normal, you'll be fine. There's a great video of Bob Sullivan giving a class, he talks about coming back front breaks. Look that up and watch it during your break. Watch some other videos while you're sitting in your hospital bed, that'll probably do you more good than what you would on the trumpet normally anyway.

[dbacon]

DB

[Don Herman rev2]