Good Days/Bad Days?

[Pat61]

This is probably a topic that is like beating a dead horse, but how often do you guys have these? How do you try to prevent bad days/promote good days?

I am curious because I have more bad then good and it just generally discourages me (though I obviously push forward )

[Ch1k3n]

This might sound wierd, but it's all in what I ate at what time before I play.

If I eat something tacky like candy, and I wait 30 minutes while drinking water, I will play like a dream. If I eat steak, then wait the same time while drinking water like after I ate candy, I will get an airy sound. These are just some examples, but there are many more variables.

I had a ton more bad days before I warmed up with long tones and scales for at LEAST 15 minutes. Before I ran through my scales, played a remington, and was done, but now with better warming up habits, I am having less bad days.

[GeneralTsoChicken]

With the exception of infrequent skin stuff (dry lips, chapped lips, acne, canker sores), and extreme exertion, you shouldn't really have good or bad days. These things and inconsistencies are usually a sign there is something mechanically wrong.

~Sometimes resolutions to these issues come by working thru them (forcing a change by putting the embouchure in stress)--- similar following to the Jacobs philosophy on playing. Wind and song, change via becoming a better musician and forcing your body to figure things out.

~Sometimes resolutions must come at the hands of someone who fully understands how the embouchure functions, someone who can "type" your embouchure and then give you tips and techniques how to work into its strengths--- similar following to the Reinhardt philosophy.

There are strengths and weaknesses to every approach. Personally, I'm extremely analytical and the Jacobs approach was disasterous for me. It wasn't until I sat down with Doug Elliot (the preeminent embouchure guru) that my playing made huge leaps in growth. Your mileage may vary. Find someone you find agreeable and someone that makes you better. Don't worry too much about people who "get on to you" or try to tell you there is one exclusive way to do things/view things.