Sweater Weather

Autumn is clinging on to the ever darkening afternoon with its cold, chapped hands and I can honestly say practice is the first thing on my mind... Right after mulled wine, a nap, and a mince pie. 

It takes me ages to adjust my practice schedule when it's winter. It's cold, and dark and a practice room seems downright uninspiring. The mental preparation is excruciating and I often have to arm myself with an oversized jumper, a beanie and an enormous flask of tea before I can face heading in to college. 

Warm-up is usually slow, I have to take the time to get the muscles to co-operate. How do I beat the winter blues? I’ve asked myself over and over, and frankly, I still don’t know. I guess it’s less about beating them, and more about not letting them beat you. I’m constantly struggling with being patient with myself; in my progress as a player, in my understanding of music. The best we can do to keep on keeping on, kids.