Thinking of coming back after a long layoff?

[tbdana]

Today is my 1-year anniversary of playing trombone again, after 30 years off. In that single year I went from not being able to make a sound on the horn on my first day, to being so busy playing that I'm in desperate need of a night off.

All of the following photos are from the last year, and all are from paying gigs.

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If you're wondering if you can do it, wonder no longer. You can! Just do it. Don't wait.

Let's hear from those who have come back after long layoffs. What's your story? Are you glad you did it?

[hyperbolica]

I came back after 10 years off. I only regained a portion of what I had before from a technical point of view, but I'm having a lot of fun doing it.

[chouston3]

I took a 15 year layoff. I have had a few false starts over the years but this time I stayed with it.

I am happily playing in community band and doing church solos.

I did not come back super strong so I am going to wait a few years before I try for paying gigs.

[tbdana]

I came back after 10 years off. I only regained a portion of what I had before from a technical point of view, but I'm having a lot of fun doing it.

What do you think is the reason you didn't get back all your technical ability? Is it something physical, or age-related, or just not willing to put in the effort, or what?