This is my saxophone! It is a Yanagisawa Alto model 901 and I love it.
Up until last week I hadn’t played it for the best part of six months. I really enjoy picking it up, having a toot and playing the odd tune. So considering I enjoy it so much why have I neglected it for so long?
It was in its case!
There it was, in its case, on top of a book shelf and hidden from view. I just ignored it. I didn’t give it a chance to grab my attention. I let other interests win my time. I’ve quite a few interests/hobbies, and I enjoy them all. I certainly don’t want to neglect them, but I never intended to ignore my sax for so long.
Last week I met a friend who had recently bought a drum-kit. He said he placed it in full view so that any time he passed by it called out to him. Even if it was only for 10 minutes he gave it a bash and had a bit of fun.
That made me realise the mistake I was making. If there is something you want to give time to that you’ve been neglecting for too long, place it in full view so that it demands attention. My playing the saxophone is not an urgent activity. Bad things won’t start to happen if I don’t do it. But I get a lot of fun out of it and I want to get better. So placing it so that I see it several times a day I think is the key.
Up until now my saxophone was treated with respect. Perhaps too much respect. It was a major purchase so I didn’t want any harm to come to it. After every use I’d wipe it clean, carefully take it apart and put it safely back in its case. Definitely good practice to protect it. But it also increases the chances of it being ignored.
So from now on it lives on its stand in full view so I see it several times a day. I still take it apart, and clean it, but now it goes back on its stand.
It’s working. It’s got my attention. Time to play!
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Hey Zoot, delighted to hear that. You practice up a bit and we’ll hit Grafton street
Enjoyed the chat last week a lot.