How many times a day do you do it?

[senanserat]

I do it all the time, actually my family thinks it may be too much. The other day I was going at it hard after like 3 hours and my mother came home and caught me doing it again (even thought she told me to take it easy) I got scolded and wasn't able to do it until the next day.

Because of holidays I have been doing it daily but I fear I won't be able to do it as much once I return to college, that is what no one understands, not even my friends they think I should spend time gallivanting around, ugh cannot they get it that I am trying to build my stamina?

I know there are some techniques I should practice more, but sometimes you just feel like doing something new entirely! It cannot be helped my youthful flames (of youth) are like a castle sized bonfire... even thought some say my boat if a little bit leaky, if ye follow...

Sometimes I do it standing up, but mostly sited as it should be. If you wonder why I stand up while doing it is because we never know in what position life will put us in a specific situation, better have at least some experience doing it vertically.

But enough about me! How much do you do it nowadays? Have vacations (if apply) increased your mileage? I really feel my technique has improved lately, I cannot wait to be able to play like a pro!

Cheers!(Kanpai?)

[ted]

Do what ?

[senanserat]

Do what ?

Duh, well doing IT!

I call it the Dadakadonga by the way!

[Bob]

People in college do it more, esp. if they're majoring in it.  Some people aren't so great on the performance side and end up teaching others about it. Professionals do a lot, do it well, and get paid for it, usually in front of an audience either live or via recording.  Even the professionals are still likely to teach others how to do it though.  If you need more advice, you can ask how to do it better here.  Or find books.  There are lots of books about it.  Lots of instructional videos online too.

If you overdo it, you can get carpal tunnel though.  

[senanserat]

People in college do it more, esp. if they're majoring in it.  Some people aren't so great on the performance side and end up teaching others about it. Professionals do a lot, do it well, and get paid for it, usually in front of an audience either live or via recording.  Even the professionals are still likely to teach others how to do it though.  If you need more advice, you can ask how to do it better here.  Or find books.  There are lots of books about it.  Lots of instructional videos online too.

If you overdo it, you can get carpal tunnel though. 

Yes definitely don't want carpal tunnel, I was doing it hard and fast the other day and then my hand got angry with me and I was like...

Can't....control...sword..hand!

But yeah while I would love do it in public, I am too shy and it negatively impacts my performances, I get all wet and shivers run down my spine I am trying to improve by doing it in front of small groups but it is a slow passed victory.

So far I wan't to focus more on my performance than my stamina, not saying the latter is not important so for example my ex-girlfriend never complained when I did it with her watching  or with her, then again she was most likely biased...

I really wish to improve it this year, is like a new year resolution for me to give it my very best! That onlookers be like, wow look at that technique and how fast he can do it! Or how gently and beautifully.

[Bob]

That's true.  Some do it in groups.  With a leader.  And sets of complicated instructions.  In fact, the way it's documented you can actually do it very similarly to how Mozart, Bach, or Beethoven did it, taking into account modern practices of course.  But just think, you're doing it very nearly just like Mozart did it.  Of course, he was a genius though.  They even say he could write out the instructions perfectly the first around.  He probably worked on it in his head though.  I think Gershwin may have picked up the rhythm of a train he was riding on once but he had to do his thing in his head because he didn't have paper to write it out on.  I might wrong...  It might be that Gershwin got the rhythm from the train and wrote it all out later.

[quantum]

Grofé helped Gershwin to do it.  He saw how Gershwin got two to do it, and wish others to do it as well.  So he orchestrated it for jazz orchestra so many people could do it, with many different kinds of instruments.  After doing it Grofé wanted even more people to do it, so he orchestrated it for full orchestra so even more people could join in doing it with many more kinds of instruments. 

[senanserat]

Grofé helped Gershwin to do it.  He saw how Gershwin got two to do it, and wish others to do it as well.  So he orchestrated it for jazz orchestra so many people could do it, with many different kinds of instruments.  After doing it Grofé wanted even more people to do it, so he orchestrated it for full orchestra so even more people could join in doing it with many more kinds of instruments. 

Yeah I am all in for doing it with others in group, it adds to the fun. Seeing everyone doing it, the faces of joy and all that such wondrous bonding experiences conveys. Sadly I don't know much people and less ones who swing this ways so more than often  I do it alone.

Imagine a scenario where you where doing it and in the heat of the moment everyone took their flutes (for example of a portable instrument) and joined all of them blowing in synch with you to create a magnificent experience.

[chopin2015]

Yeah I am all in for doing it with others in group, it adds to the fun. Seeing everyone doing it, the faces of joy and all that such wondrous bonding experiences conveys. Sadly I don't know much people and less ones who swing this ways so more than often  I do it alone.

Imagine a scenario where you where doing it and in the heat of the moment everyone took their flutes (for example of a portable instrument) and joined all of them blowing in synch with you to create a magnificent experience.

hahaha...kinky.

today, i did it at home, then in a church, then i ate a ton of pizza and shopped on ebay and bought some gray skinny jeanz then I decided I could do it again, real quick. I ended up doing it for 2 more hours, which makes a total of about 6 hours today, i think. i'll probably try to take it easy tomorrow, but the love of my life will probably give me that look when i walk by (her) (hahahhha, I sound gay) and we'll end up doing it for hours. (that one sounded wrong. Correction: I'll end up doing it for hours...dang it! it just sounds like I am literally doing my piano!!!)
.....
.....
.....
Well this is too realistically awkward... 

[ted]

Ah, I understand now. Duets rather than solos, and when you get to my age, let us just say that things are rather different in several ways which I do not intend to elaborate upon.

[outin]

I do it everyday, how could I not. At least once every morning, it's a good way to start the day. Cannot do it at work unfortunately, so weekdays usually when I come from work and often once more before getting to sleep. On weekends and holidays several times a day and I really take my time with it then.

[kakeithewolf]

Freud would love this thread.

[chopin2015]

I do it everyday, how could I not. At least once every morning, it's a good way to start the day. Cannot do it at work unfortunately, so weekdays usually when I come from work and often once more before getting to sleep. On weekends and holidays several times a day and I really take my time with it then.

hahaha, go outin!!!!

[Bob]

I've tried it with gloves on a few times.  No one likes cold hands, right?  That doesn't work so well.  Even if the fingertips are cut off the gloves, it still doesn't really work.  


The other day I wiped everything down.  A thick layer of dust had built up.  Now it's clean and fresh looking.  I ran across that scratch on it from when a shelf fell off the wall and hit it.  That was painful enough when it happened.  I still don't like to look at the scratch mark there, but it's right in the middle.  All the lamps are back in place now.  I like to be able to see what I'm doing.  Once in a while I'll do it in the dark though.  Sometimes the routine stuff is kind of tedious so I'll read a book or watch tv or a movie while I'm doing it.  

If I'm really tired, I've skipped it.  That makes me feel bad.  And I have to invest a day or so to get back to where I was later.  When I think about the time I've spent doing it though... It's a lot.  I could have gotten a lot of other things done with that time instead.  What else would I get done?  What if I hadn't made the choice to devote so much time to it, etc.

You can't really say you're at your best unless you're doing it a lot, right?  Your life kind of revolves around it.

Dozed off a few times doing it too.  One time in college I was taking a techniques class about related areas.  I ended up overdoing it and passed out.  I woke up on the floor in one of those little rooms where people do it.  If I push a certain way from the abs, it's still a danger, even today.

A couple years ago around Christmas time I walk into a grocery and what do I see?  Doors open up and boom!  In your face!  This guy's sitting there doing it, putting on a show.  Hard to miss.  He's dressed up and has all his stuff spread out.  Right in front of the doors.  He wasn't asking for money though.  It's crossed my mind that I could do something like that, but it seems kind of tacky.  And it's probably colder right in front of the doors like that.


I had a job where I could do it at work.  That was really the reason I took the job, just to do it while "working" and get paid for it.  Worked out well.  Over time I was able to purchase "upgrades" to improve how I did it.

[kakeithewolf]

I never do it. Never have an interest in doing it. It's messy, I'm dead sure I suck at it, and it just isn't fun.

[Bob]

I had a college professor who met his wife through doing it.  They were assigned a project that involved doing it so they did it.  They ended up getting married later.

[ranniks]

I do it all the time, actually my family thinks it may be too much. The other day I was going at it hard after like 3 hours and my mother came home and caught me doing it again (even thought she told me to take it easy) I got scolded and wasn't able to do it until the next day.

Because of holidays I have been doing it daily but I fear I won't be able to do it as much once I return to college, that is what no one understands, not even my friends they think I should spend time gallivanting around, ugh cannot they get it that I am trying to build my stamina?

I know there are some techniques I should practice more, but sometimes you just feel like doing something new entirely! It cannot be helped my youthful flames (of youth) are like a castle sized bonfire... even thought some say my boat if a little bit leaky, if ye follow...

Sometimes I do it standing up, but mostly sited as it should be. If you wonder why I stand up while doing it is because we never know in what position life will put us in a specific situation, better have at least some experience doing it vertically.

But enough about me! How much do you do it nowadays? Have vacations (if apply) increased your mileage? I really feel my technique has improved lately, I cannot wait to be able to play like a pro!

Cheers!(Kanpai?)

Are you talking about masturbation? I have no clue what you otherwise mean.

[kakeithewolf]

Are you talking about masturbation? I have no clue what you otherwise mean.

He's talking about piano playing, as all others, but trying to make it seem like it's about sex. This is a thread loaded with double entendres.

[senanserat]

hahaha...kinky.

today, i did it at home, then in a church, then i ate a ton of pizza and shopped on ebay and bought some gray skinny jeanz then I decided I could do it again, real quick. I ended up doing it for 2 more hours, which makes a total of about 6 hours today, i think. i'll probably try to take it easy tomorrow, but the love of my life will probably give me that look when i walk by (her) (hahahhha, I sound gay) and we'll end up doing it for hours. (that one sounded wrong. Correction: I'll end up doing it for hours...dang it! it just sounds like I am literally doing my piano!!!)
.....
.....
.....
Well this is too realistically awkward...

Wow, I have never done it in church, I feel that at my current skill level even though I am not a religious person it would offend the images of the saints that're there. I mean imagine doing it wrongly in front of the priest and a mass with a Jesus gazing over you, that is even worse because as I said before I am kinda afraid of doing it in front of other people.

I do it everyday, how could I not. At least once every morning, it's a good way to start the day. Cannot do it at work unfortunately, so weekdays usually when I come from work and often once more before getting to sleep. On weekends and holidays several times a day and I really take my time with it then.

Ugh, I should start to get my internal clock back on track, as of late I have been raising up  VERY late and I feel it has cut time my time of fun...I think you're right if you do it at least a bit in the morning it brightens my day, I normally do it more in the evening or entering night, which is kinda troublesome because it means I do a lot of noise when the neighbors are there.

I had a college professor who met his wife through doing it.  They were assigned a project that involved doing it so they did it.  They ended up getting married later.

That is something I have wondered as well, do you think I stand better chances of meeting a potential romantic partner that way? I mean I don't do it as much with other people but when I do it it has been more a one night stand, we do it (most of the time in front of a audience) and then we rarely see each other again

I never do it. Never have an interest in doing it. It's messy, I'm dead sure I suck at it, and it just isn't fun.

You're missing a lot of fun. Bring a friend if you have any which like do it as well, that may spark your interest, the other day a friend walked on me while doing it at the academy, she gave me a weird look, almost like she was questioning my sanity. I was starting to wonder just how sane I'd end up anyway, at the rate I was going.

[outin]

I just did if for a couple of hours, bought some new stuff to look at today, which always makes it more exciting...was also using the electric device, as I often do late in the evenings.

A bit tired now, better go to bed...

[senanserat]

I just did if for a couple of hours, bought some new stuff to look at today, which always makes it more exciting...was also using the electric device, as I often do late in the evenings.

A bit tired now, better go to bed...

I know what you mean, its evening here, so I think I will go do it for a couple hours.

[quantum]

The other day I wiped everything down.  A thick layer of dust had built up.  Now it's clean and fresh looking.  I ran across that scratch on it from when a shelf fell off the wall and hit it.  That was painful enough when it happened.  I still don't like to look at the scratch mark there, but it's right in the middle.  All the lamps are back in place now.  I like to be able to see what I'm doing.  Once in a while I'll do it in the dark though.  Sometimes the routine stuff is kind of tedious so I'll read a book or watch tv or a movie while I'm doing it.  

Maintaining the equipment is very important.  Flautists need to lube their keys before blowing their instruments.  You don't want a stuck key when doing it, ouch!  The conductor really wants it when the scores says to do it.  You've got to have accurate timing. 

[Bob]

I met with a "master of the baton" in college.  When I started doing it, they looked at me and said, "Wow, you really are right-handed, aren't you?"


One time I was at work late at night doing it.  Out of a nowhere a coworker appears.  Said they could hear me down the hall.   "Nice sounds."  Awkward conversation.  It was a guy too.  I was right in the middle of things and he surprised me so I was kind of out of it.  Of course as he leaves a video I was watching continued playing and he noticed that.  Didn't say anything.  I was nearly done anyway so I wrapped it up.  There was one more thing I would have done but it doesn't sound so nice.  I don't like doing that if there are other people around.  I'm kind of glad he didn't walk in during that part of the session.

[Bob]

Come to think of it, if that guy thought it sounded so nice, why did he go back to his office and shut the door?  I suppose it was a repetitive part of the session though. I don't think I'd want to listen to that either.


Sound volume is always something to be conscious of, esp. if you live in an apartment.  You don't want to disturb the neighbors while you're doing it.  I remember some people in college that did it in their dorm rooms, thinking they were being quiet about it.  They weren't.  Everyone could hear them. 


And then there are days you don't feel like it, but you still have to do it.  That's just life.

[Bob]

More college stories...

I remember a professor who big on time management.  They always promoted doing it while walking as a way to be more efficient and save time.  If you're walking to class, you could be doing it at the same time.  That's a few extra minutes saved later.


The one we've all done probably -- Visualizing yourself onstage in front of an audience while you're doing it.  It helps with performance.  Cuts down on nerves.  That type of thing.

[Bob]

One time when I was doing it a dog starting howling.

[theholygideons]

make sure that your flute is as dry as possible, then stick your cleaning rod in and shove it up and down as fast as possible, arggghhh!!! yeah!

[swagmaster420x]

i think doing it would be next to impossible if your hands were all lubed up.

[Bob]

I've tried using powder.  And I heard a story about some famous pianist who used hairspray to give him more grip.

[senanserat]

I've tried using powder.  And I heard a story about some famous pianist who used hairspray to give him more grip.

I never tried using any substances while doing it, I am more old fashioned in that regard.

[senanserat]

lol wut

[rachmaninoff_forever]

I freaking love you guys.

[senanserat]

I freaking love you guys.

I was doing it when you posted this and my heart skipped a beat. Now I will carry on with renovated vigor!

[senanserat]

Can't...continue...energy...depleted....

[chopin2015]

I pretty much did it all day, with the blinds open, so when people walked by, they could see me going at it. I know they can hear me, so now I let them watch me when they are listening, too.
they probably aren't looking at me, they are more interested in her (since pianos are female gender...)
i bet they wonder how i do it for so long, every day! I have often received complements on my fingering.

[chopin2015]

i think doing it would be next to impossible if your hands were all lubed up.

btw, I use medicated lotion, it helps maintain the ph in skin that is constantly in contact with something (such as your hands). it is called Amlactin, non-scented, alpha hydroxy therapy.

[swagmaster420x]

sometimes when i do it very vigorously i feel like i'm banging something.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

! I have often received complements on my fingering.

When I'm ever having trouble doing it, I always ask you for help!

You always know how to help me do it!

I really value your fingerings.

[chopin2015]

When I'm ever having trouble doing it, I always ask you for help!

You always know how to help me do it!

I really value your fingerings.

why thank you! I have fun doing it. Anything you give me, I'll finger. I'll finger anything, all day long! haha

[outin]

why thank you! I have fun doing it. Anything you give me, I'll finger. I'll finger anything, all day long! haha

You too will make such a cute couple

Just please forget that Bach tattoo, I'm not sure R-4 could handle that!

[chopin2015]

You too will make such a cute couple

Just please forget that Bach tattoo, I'm not sure R-4 could handle that!

 

I don't even have a clever response to that.

Oh, here's one!
...
...
...
I LIKE Bach.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

Everyone's talking about Bach...



 

Please don't get a Bach tattoo...

Edit:

Wait a sec you're actually getting a Bach tattoo?!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

If you do that I'm gonna continue my plans to end the world with Valentina lisitsa.

And none of you guys want that!!!

[outin]

If you do that I'm gonna continue my plans to end the world with Valentina lisitsa.

I hope you have not forgotten that YOUR fingers actually belong to me! It will be interesting using them instead of my own...

[Bob]

I think coffee or water is the most I've eaten while doing it.  I have a thing about having clean hands while doing it.  Eating something like Cheetohs would be really bad since it would leave orange crumbs on your equipment.

[quantum]

Bach did it as well.  He didn't limit himself to one though.  He like to do it with two, three and even four at the same time.  Of course he wanted others to know how he went about it, so he left instructions for us to follow.  That's how the Art of Doing It came to be.

[chopin2015]

 That's how the Art of Doing It came to be.

hahahahah

i can't wait till school starts. I get to do it on many different pianos, again. I love doing it on a grand piano.

Hey rach4, I'm not getting no Bach tattoo! unless it's an entire fugue on my back!!! And then I can say, it's my back's fugue! and then we do it.

[Bob]

I believe Bach walked 60 miles to watch someone else do it too.


And everyone knows about Lully.  Stabbed himself in the foot while doing it.  Died that way while doing it.

And Beethoven... Went deaf, although that probably wasn't from doing it. 

[rachmaninoff_forever]

And everyone knows about Lully.  Stabbed himself in the foot while doing it.  Died that way while doing it.

 

How the heck do you die by getting stabbed in the foot?!

[Bob]

Hit himself in the foot with his staff.  They used to use a staff to conduct with to tap out the beat.  He hit himself in the foot.  I think it got infected and he died because of it.  He's the conductor famous for conducting himself to death.

[senanserat]

I head that Bach only did two things in his life (mostly) and one of those was doing it. Have you ever seen Czerny's records he did it A LOT like, A LOT hell one would think his hands would have fallen off from doing it so much, and not only that he left a magnitute or records to tell us how to do it better.

Then there is Hannon and his work that supposedly goes a long way to help you master doing it, I sometimes wonder about Rachmaninoff, I wonder if doing it with hands so big was troublesome, while big hands certainly help I cannot but think such large hands could get in the way of the playing.

Speaking of which, I noticed that when I am doing it downstairs most of the time there is one my cats watching me, it unnerves me because even if I like cats their penetrating stares hold unfathomable amounts prejudice, if I am going at it and I make a sound that shouldn't be they turn their gazes toward me and don't let go for awhile.

As if judging...

Sometimes the younger one jumps at my lap while doing it, which naturally throws me out of my mojo.