It amazes me how your mental state can effect how you perform physical activities.

The past few days I haven’t been in the best of moods and it has shown in my playing. I have heard it said that the music you make is usual a direct reflextion of how you feel at that moment. My last few practice sessions are proof of that. I’m just not as sharp or focused as I was earlier in the week. I had a difficult time focusing on an idea sound and as a result – my tone was thin and very airy.

When this happens I have learned that it is not a good idea to push it. That usually leads to frustration which in turn leads to tension which leads to ZERO quality. I spent more time on long tones and more time blowing down the leadpipe – focusing on moving air. I have little doubt that I will return to my normal quality of playing once I get out of my emotional funk.