Introduction
Ageing is a natural process that affects all aspects of our lives, including our abilities as musicians. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ageing effects on brass players and offer some tips for adapting to them.
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to rehearse with a prestigious band, featuring some of the city’s most accomplished musicians. Among them was a trombonist who had been my idol during my teenage years. Known as the country’s leading commercial trombone player, he set the standard in the industry. This was my first time playing with him, and the anticipation was palpable. However, he was now 90 years old and the first words he uttered were, ‘I don’t play much anymore; I just play in a brass band from time to time.’ It was a humbling moment that reset my expectations. The once-confident virtuoso had become a prime example of the ageing effects on brass players. What had happened to the musical titan I had idolised? Simply put, time had taken its toll—he got old.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ageing effects on brass players and offer some tips for adapting to them.
Physical Changes
- Lip Strength: One of the most noticeable ageing effects on brass players is the weakening of lip strength. As we age, our muscles, including those in our lips, may weaken. This can affect your embouchure and your ability to hit high notes.
- Breath Control: Lung capacity tends to decrease with age, which can impact your breath control and stamina during performances.
- Dexterity: Arthritis or other age-related conditions can affect finger dexterity, making it challenging to execute fast passages.
Mental Changes
- Memory: Remembering complex pieces may become more challenging, requiring additional practice and perhaps even the use of sheet music during performances.
- Focus: Maintaining concentration for extended periods may become more difficult, affecting your ability to practice effectively.
Emotional Changes
- Motivation: As priorities shift, you may find that your motivation to practice and perform wanes.
- Confidence: Physical limitations can affect your confidence, making performances more nerve-wracking than they used to be.
Tips for Ageing Brass Players
- Adapt Your Practice Routine: Focus on exercises that strengthen your embouchure and improve your lung capacity.
- Choose Appropriate Pieces: Opt for compositions that suit your current abilities.
- Stay Engaged: Join ensembles or take up teaching to keep your passion for music alive.
- Consult Professionals: Regular check-ups with a physician and perhaps sessions with a physiotherapist can help you manage age-related challenges.
Conclusion
Ageing is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to spell the end of your journey as a brass player. By understanding the changes that come with age and adapting accordingly, you can continue to enjoy making music for years to come.
For some interesting discussion on this topic, see Ageing trombonists and other brass players? – TromboneChat