What To Do When  Having A Bad Sax Day

First, let me apologize for lagging on the posting of new stuff. It's been a busy teaching and performing schedule lately, and some things had to go on the back burner. 

It occurred to me that playing any musical instrument has its good days and its not-so-good days, especially for those of you who are performing out in public on a regular basis. 

I have them. And sometimes, I find myself obsessing over having played wrong notes or a flat line or repeating my own musical cliches. Whatever. I can find myself going dark for days on end after giving what I consider a poor performance.

You feel me? 

But this is part of the experience of being a musician. We all have off days.  Next time you have one, run down the following check list and see if any of this helps you :

1. I try not to have any expectations when I go to a gig. If I do show up with expectations, I am almost always disappointed. I've learned to take things as they come, control what aspects I can control, and live with the rest.

2. I try not to dwell on complements. I learned this from a sax teacher of mine long ago. He said that if anyone complemented him, that meant he had to practice an extra hour. I don't think he actually did that, but I got the point: getting hooked on praise will hurt your playing just as badly as does the next item.

3. Criticism. Especially un-constructive criticism.  When that happens, I try to take it in stride, consider the source, and if there is anything behind it, correct as best I can.

4. Negative self-talk. Oh man, this one's the worst of all, because we are our own worst critics. Again, what I've learned to do is objectify and apply: is there something I can do or practice to improve my perceived shortcoming on the bandstand, whatever it may be?  If need be, take it to your sax teacher for some deeper ideas.

Finally, you've got to put it behind you and move on to the next gig. When you catch yourself going back and re-thinking it all, remind yourself that the gig in question is over. What's done is done. Pick up, and move on. 

You'll do better next time.

performance psychology, saxophone playing, private lessons, how to practice, best practices