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Is there such a thing as too long a break?


Intheether

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Posted

Well, I just finished my first disc so I figured I'd finally kick back and relax. I put DP 3 on order and have basically been vegging since. I haven't practiced, recorded, mixed or mastered in two weeks now. I'm starting to think maybe it's a bad idea.

While I never abandon music completely - I'd say I listen at least three hours a day and always read the usual rags - Is a haitus of a couple of weeks or so a bad idea?

I think my mind body and soul just need time to rejuvinate and prepare for the next.

What are your thoughts and do you occasionally take breaks as well?

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Posted
I, too, think it's good to let the sub(un?)conscious take a break from regular activity---sometimes that's when real "breakthroughs" happen!
Posted

posted by nel/astor:

Well, I just finished my first disc so I figured I'd finally kick back and relax. I put DP 3 on order and have basically been vegging since. I haven't practiced, recorded, mixed or mastered in two weeks now. I'm starting to think maybe it's a bad idea.

While I never abandon music completely - I'd say I listen at least three hours a day and always read the usual rags - Is a haitus of a couple of weeks or so a bad idea?

I think my mind body and soul just need time to rejuvinate and prepare for the next.

What are your thoughts and do you occasionally take breaks as well?

 

I don't have an opinion on breaks, I've been starting and stopping for too many years . But I do want to amongst the first to congratulate you on your project. Break a leg? Kcbass

 "Let It Be!"

Posted

Now, where do we find this disk?

Wow, what a cool post to go "gold" on!

Actually it's done on my end but my graphic designer wants to revamp the backcover. If you go to my website, the two shots to the right of my bio were to be the front and back but we decided that the back could be even better. So, being that he's a very good friend of mine (i.e. he's not charging for his extra time), he's going to go that extra mile until we're satisfied.

But I will be sure to bump up that cd thread that dB started a while back to let anyone interested know where they can get it. It's going on cdBaby when it's ready and a simple arm twist or less would likely convince me to send anyone interested a free copy - maybe minus postage. I don't make music to be a star, I just want to share it with anyone who's willing to listen!

So now I'm going back to surfing the net and enjoying my non-musical/veg break sans guilt.

You guys are right - everyone can use some refresh time now and again.

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Posted

Yes, breaks are not only good but important. I'm of the opinion you absolutely cannot improve musically without taking extended breaks from playing.

 

IMO it's also important to go full steam when you start playing again after a break. If you only play a little and don't push yourself when you start playing again, IMO, you waste the energy/ideas you've built up while not playing.

 

Also, again this is just my advice FWIW, Don't start playing again until you're sure you're ready to put a lot of time into playing and for extended periods. The key is to never do it halfway...always play your instrument with full commitment/energy and good things will happen.

Posted

Great advice everyone. Thanks!

But it seems that DP 3.1 has just arrived at my doorstep so the break is officially over. It was fun while it lasted....

Steve, you're totally correct about going back at it full force or not at all. My sentiments exactly.

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Posted
Breaks are great for perspective, health, and sanity, but prepare yourself for a few "cobwebs" and a little bit of "rust" when you get back at it. :D

The Black Knight always triumphs!

 

Posted

Dan, for some bizarre reason I don't get the cobwebs on the piano/rhodes when I take extended (like more than 3 months) breaks, my technique actually gets stronger.

 

But on guitar, woah, yeah I get really rusty when I take time off...not to say I don't benefit from it...just a few days of conditioning exercises and I'm pretty much back to what I was but better musically.

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