Practice restrictions

[Roger]

Since Christmas, my wife and I have been caregivers for my parents, and it looks like it will be for an indefinite period of time. My euph is back home in Virginia and I'm in Florida. I have my mp and I buzz tunes, sirens, etc several times a week. My intention is to bring my horn down soon, but won't be able to play in the house due to mom's severe anxiety attacks. We're in a gated community with a nice, large clubhouse with multiple meeting and activity rooms. The clubhouse manager has agreed to my practicing in one of the rooms as long as I use my practice mute (I convinced her it virtually silences the sound and shouldn't disturb anyone). Can I keep my chops and tone in reasonable shape with the practice mute only? If I get lucky, a few other musicians might be living in the community and we could do an entertainment night from time to time, but no guarantee there. Thoughts?

[davewerden]

My practice mute is not without its own personality, but it is very useful for situations like you describe.

First, you can keep your chops strong with the mute - that's its best feature. And of course you can keep your fingers in great shape. Your air support will probably improve.

BUT, the note-to-note intonation is affected, so you may find a flat note to be flatter with the mute, for example. And response is obviously affected, so your delicacy may slip a bit. For me, the range about high C concert is pretty odd and I pretty much hate playing there with the mute, but it can be done.

If you could get to a large room once a week or so to remind yourself what normal playing is like without the mute, that would be very helpful.

[DaveBj]

You might check and see if there's a church nearby that would let you use one of their Sunday School classrooms a few times a week.

[Roger]

Very helpful thoughts David B. and David W., Thank you.

[1Cor13:4]

You could consider a park or public area, such as a large, unused parking lot?

If you have a large car (van?) you could also consider finding a somewhat remote place and playing in your car.

[1Cor13:4]

If you practice in a public place and put out a hat, you might even earn some change! (I'm kidding)