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Honorary tenured advisor
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Just recovering from about five day bout with a bad cold. Tried to play a little during that time . Sounded like crap.
Made me start thinking about the effect of fatigue and illness on the violin. Not to mention stress.
It has always been clear to me that I have a better sound and more productive practice early in morning when I am fresh and alert.
Practice after work is sometimes a struggle due to being tired.
The intense focus and effort it takes to try and improve is physically draining.
Easy to tell when I am playing lazy.
Sometimes after I have a really intense practice I get that euphoric feeling, not unlike after a run or work out.
Many people have said to me. Oh you play violin, that must be very relaxing.
My response to them is.
Listening to someone play the violin is very relaxing, trying to play one will wear you out.
Any way , just an observation. 
No matter where you go, there you are!
Late bloomer said:
Just recovering from about five day bout with a bad cold. Tried to play a little during that time . Sounded like crap.
I know how that feel! I am still recovering from a bad cold/flu, too.
It has always been clear to me that I have a better sound and more productive practice early in morning when I am fresh and alert.
Practice after work is sometimes a struggle due to being tired.
The intense focus and effort it takes to try and improve is physically draining.
Same here! I found my violin sounds the best in the morning and i am always dragging on practicing in the evening -- helping my daughter practicing and myself after work -- exhausted!
Listening to someone play the violin is very relaxing, trying to play one will wear you out.
Less deafening, too:P
Any way , just an observation.
Great observation!
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You are right for the most part. You can build your tolerance over a period of time. It's important to stay relaxed in the parts of your body that you are not using. In other words only use the necessary muscles to get the job done. Don't tense up elsewhere. I don't get too tired from playing the fiddle unless I've been doing it for like 10 hours or so. It is not unusual though for professional musicians to tire quickly. Lot's of my colleagues complain of problems in their shoulders, necks and backs.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Several month ago i could play not more then 20 minutes without getting terribly tired. Now i can play 1 hour easily… but if i play 4-5 hours, i feel like an amoeba =)) 
(not sure i know what feels amoeba, but i can imagine, LOL)...
Unfortunately i did not yet find out how to relax properly those parts of me that not involved.. 
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I looked it up but I still don't know what it is or what it feels like. 
Mad_Wed said:
Unfortunately i did not yet find out how to relax properly those parts of me that not involved..
It's a process and needs to be a conscious effort. Once we develop bad habits they take time to correct. You looked quite relaxed when you play Naska.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
Honorary tenured advisor
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Reading music, keeping time, coordinating fingering and bowing. Proper emphasis on each. These things are mentally exhausting.
When I get a chance to visit my instructor, and for a solid hour she is pushing me to intensely focus on all of the above. Wow , when I leave there its like I have been reading building specs for two days.
But it feels great and I love it!
Now probably after I have been playing for 25 years most of the basics will come second nature and playing for long periods will not be so challenging.
I get back to you on that in 25 years! 
No matter where you go, there you are!
Fiddlerman said:
I looked it up but I still don't know what it is or what it feels like.
Mad_Wed said:
Unfortunately i did not yet find out how to relax properly those parts of me that not involved..
It's a process and needs to be a conscious effort. Once we develop bad habits they take time to correct. You looked quite relaxed when you play Naska.
Thank you! I try to relax.. but my neck and left shoulder still killing me.. I do stretchings and other exercises, but i think it's still something wrong with my posture..i can't find a comfort zone for play.. still looking for, guess it takes more time. But i'll definitely find it! =)
Honorary tenured advisor
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I recall waking up one morning feeling like an amoeba. Of course I was a lot younger then. 
No matter where you go, there you are!
New member
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Barry said:
sounds right to me
I was struggling with playing after dark for a long time. Regular (daily ) practice helps as does taking a nap before a night time gig.
Some people are night people and some are day people. Obviously, you need to hone your night skills if you want to play anywhere but in Church. Thee just aren't many early morning gigs or jams.
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volare said:
Thee just aren't many early morning gigs or jams.
True.... Welcome to the forum volare. If you feel like it we would love to read an introduction about you on our new "Introduce Youself" forum. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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