So, in order to put more stock into what I accomplish in my practice time rather than how much time I spend, I'm taking my own advice (as well as from the Practicopedia book) and starting a practice journal. It in, I basically will just write down what I played. In addition, I'll have a more systematic approach to what I practice. I'm basically going to go through all of my etude books in order. I mean, what else am I going to do? That way, accomplishment will alway be a priority.
This will also help some tension issues I've been having these last couple months, mainly when I haven't had any goals and I haven't been working towards much. It made me think too much and not relax. I hate that feeling. So, thinking forward helps. I have to always remember that.
I had a fun opportunity a couple of weeks ago. I got to do a Zoom meeting with Jeff Fair, the principal horn of the Seattle Symphony, as well as the professor of horn at the University of Washington. I scheduled a meet with him because I'm considering getting a doctorate, and he was the first person I thought to ask. I don't know if I'd necessarily get a doctorate in horn, just because I think getting it in conducting or theory would make me more versatile on paper, and thus more marketable. I'm definitely among the more versatile musicians, since I play horn well and can teach it, and am proficient on all brass and can teach them. Plus, I can conduct well and rehearse, and compose and make arrangements. So if I get a degree highlighting something I can do well besides horn, I think that will look good when I consider applying for jobs at a university. That would be the life, for sure!
But anyways, after chatting with Jeff about the doctorate program, I played for him and got a little lesson. I played pretty well, I was really pleased with myself. And I got some great compliments from him and amazing feedback. I'm happy to at least gotten on his radar...hopefully. But it was a fun meet and hopefully I'll get to do lessons with him sometime. I can take them with him if I can my doctorate, now matter what my field of study is.
Take care and value music.