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I have only been playing for two weeks now (actually two weeks and two days, but who's counting?
), anyways, I didn't realize it at first but I have been practicing anywhere from four to five hours each day. Not all at once, but one time I went for three hours straight before taking a real break.
Since I started my left arm has been sore and tender, but it's more of a "just got finished working out" feeling rather than a joint or muscle strain pain. When I relax for a while or get a good night's sleep the soreness is gone.
So far I love playing, that is why I do it so much. I'm afraid though that I might burn out if I keep going at it so hard. Kind of like listening to a good song too many times. Has this happened to anyone before?
Never mind maneuvers, just go straight at them.
Everyone has probably practiced "too much" at the beginning. You will realize however that maybe not all the hours are so productive. You will begin to recognized when you have spent enough time with one session. Physical pain probably signals too much effort.
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This is all good Lyle, and yes you will get tired of doing the same thing over and over. The important thing is that you make it interesting somehow. Also, just like Oliver said, not all of that time will be as productive.
That being said, I LOVE your ambition and enthusiasm. The pain is exactly as you say, "work out pains" since you are using muscles, stretches that you have not been using. You will automatically strengthen those muscles and joints with time as you are going. Caution not to over stretch and suffer in the beginning.
There were times when I was working for auditions that I went from playing 2 - 4 hours a day to playing 8 - 10 and always suffer a little from that.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Thanks for the reply's guys.
I have noticed times when my performance, that isn't top rate to begin with, starts to get worse and it's typically after I have been sawing away for several hours. I doubt I get anything out of the practice at that point except for perhaps stamina building.
As for keeping it interesting, I try to learn a new piece or a section of a longer piece each night. That always gives me a goal and something to look forward to all day. I also practice everything I already know, hopefully improving at it.
Never mind maneuvers, just go straight at them.
Come to think of it, I have a strange practice routine.
I keep 2 bundles of practice materials handy. When I sometimes get disgusted, I simply replace the bundle on the stand with the other bundle.
I think this may have occasionally saved me from launching the violin into some solid objects 
altho it otherwise seems pretty extreme.
I think of it as a change in scenery.
PS Practicing what you know is a good way to keep track of progress but try it only after every few weeks. You will be surprised.
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