the first 5 minutes...

Do I have just 5 minutes to pick up my horn? Can I play just 5 minutes?

YES! I do. And I want to! If you do too, read on...

Let's say you're out of shape on the horn and you want to start getting back to playing without sounding or feeling so badly you hate to even try (been there, done that). 'Coming back' is a process like everything else.

One point that is missed so often is that we, the musicians, the players, are athletes. Music is a craft, and we are the artisans. Horn playing is quite muscular. And if we are building muscle, it is a process.

So, back to the first 5 minutes. What to play?

If you are lifting weights or exercising for the first time after a long break (days, weeks, more), and KNEW what to do before, i.e. already obtained the skill set, then you would KNOW not to push the limits or else get injured. You would know to do accessible things that aren't too hard. After all, you want to add the next 5 minutes tomorrow...

Here are some ideas to help:

1. free buzz

2. pick an easy range, say one octave, maybe a bit more

3. pick easy techniques within that range (easy melodies, 5-note scales, long tones)

4. a favorite of mine - pitch bending down the overtone series from wherever feels good

5. descending scales and slurs

Remember, this is just the first 5 minutes...