Three Quick Hits

Improving as a musician is not a quick or easy process. And guiding someone through that process of improvement isn’t quick or easy, either! Rather, improvement is a dynamic, non-linear, iterative cycle, involving reflective practice over time. And at times, confoundingly, progress can feel like retrenchment, especially if longtime habits must be undone.

But sometimes you just want a quick hit!

And every now and again as a teacher, I can offer one. Here are a few quick , easy changes you can make that are almost guaranteed to improve your playing!

Ditch the Bifocals

The optimal chin position for playing is level. Your chin should form a 90 degree angle with your neck. If you tip your chin up, muscles in your neck and throat will tighten and your airway will be compressed. Much of this time, this leads to a tense, turbulent sound. I can’t tell you the number of tone-challenged students I’ve spotted cranking their chins up, trying to get the sheet music focused in the right part of their bifocals. Or trifocals. Or progressives. None of them are good! If you struggle to read music without vision correction, you’ll want to consider investing in a pair of single-focus lenses optimized for the distance between your eyes and your music stand.

Wear Looser Pants!

If your pants are too tight, they will prevent your abdominal wall from expanding as you inhale and your breathing will be compromised! Embrace comfort!

Clean Your Recorder

It doesn’t matter if it’s plastic or wood; If you play with any frequency, your recorder needs periodic cleaning. If you’re struggling to play your instrument without nearly immediate clogging, it’s time to consider a clean. The American Recorder Society has several helpful resources if you need instruction; you can read about how to clean your plastic recorder here. The Prescott workshop offers a comprehensive wooden recorder care video here. And if you’re more comfortable leaving the cleaning to the professionals, the Von Huene Workshop is a good resource!