October 9, 2008 by Bruce Hembd

Archived under: Narcissism & negativity, Performance & Playing, Stress, Teaching

Work Through the Suck: The Cycle of High and Low


We all go through cycles of highs and lows. In any given day, for example, your entire physiological system goes through a cycle of circadian rhythms.

I also believe that this cycle translates to the bigger picture. I sometimes go through periods where I am less satisfied and more frustrated with my playing than usual. These periods, I have grown to understand, are perfectly natural and when in such a period I try to remain confident that the pendulum will eventually swing the other way.

Sometimes too when working on something new, I can sound pretty bad. I often tell my students that in order to sound good in performance, you cannot be afraid to sound bad in the practice room. I jokingly say that “in order to get better you can’t be afraid to sound like a pig for a while.”

By this I mean that new music and techniques take time and wood-shedding – sometimes the process can be a bit ugly and results can take a while to show themselves.

A favorite radio program that I listen to on National Public Radio is Ira Glass’s “This American Life.” A while back I stumbled onto this video; his commentary translates to this topic – “working through the suck.”

BRUCE HEMBD is a web marketing developer by day who plays French horn professionally at night.» More information about Bruce Hembd » More articles by Bruce Hembd » Contact

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Work Through the Suck: The Cycle of High and Low
Published on October 9, 2008 by Bruce Hembd

Archived under: Narcissism & negativity, Performance & Playing, Stress, Teaching
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.