checktest
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2013
- Messages
- 338
Wasn't sure where to put this, but Performance Enhancing seems to be the most appropriate section.
Background:
I like to play piano as a hobby (mainly classical, some jazz, little pop here and there), and I was wondering what are some good approaches to improve approaching pieces (mechanical movement, flexibility, dexterity) and possibly memory. Not as a serious venture...just out of curiosity.
Used to play quite a lot, but overdid it maybe 7...9 years ago or so. Was rehearsing for a concert and just didn't let up on my arms. Ultimately between over-practice and years of bad posture and the like, did quite a number on them and had to give it up for a while. Physiatrist and neurologist were both a little surprised how functional I was (the concert went pretty well, actually), given what I presented with. [4th + 5th finger numbness + cold, sharp sharp pain in mid-right back.] It was never particularly clear, but likely had either a C8-T1 radiculopathy or cubital tunnel superimposed on thoracic outlet syndrome (R > L, though absolutely present in both). Missed an EMG appointment due to a snowstorm, and the neurologist eventually decided that it never would be too clear and told me just to rest them for a long time.
Since I've had the chance this past year to play more piano, I've really been hoping to get back into shape. I've been taking it slow and easy, making sure to not stress my hands and forearms what-so-ever. Seen a teacher about some stretches and proper positioning- always was pretty good, it was more about overdoing.
Question:
What else can I do to help restore functioning and perhaps help my processing of pieces? To outline a more specific goal, I might want to try to get a passable 4-5 trill over a period of...2 years, maybe? I'm also working through Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, very slowly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzerJmdStq8
Side-note:
I take vortioxetine (15 mg) and methylphenidate (2.5-10 mg). I've been meaning to do a post on Neuroscience about possible interactions with 5-HT1a agonism (partial) and other sections. Taken the same dose range for a while. Seems to remain good for me- the methylphenidate has probably been the best thing for my anxiety, oddly. [I've always been a bit paranoid about drugs, so it has been a surprise.]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27087081
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26408868
Thanks in advance.
Background:
I like to play piano as a hobby (mainly classical, some jazz, little pop here and there), and I was wondering what are some good approaches to improve approaching pieces (mechanical movement, flexibility, dexterity) and possibly memory. Not as a serious venture...just out of curiosity.
Used to play quite a lot, but overdid it maybe 7...9 years ago or so. Was rehearsing for a concert and just didn't let up on my arms. Ultimately between over-practice and years of bad posture and the like, did quite a number on them and had to give it up for a while. Physiatrist and neurologist were both a little surprised how functional I was (the concert went pretty well, actually), given what I presented with. [4th + 5th finger numbness + cold, sharp sharp pain in mid-right back.] It was never particularly clear, but likely had either a C8-T1 radiculopathy or cubital tunnel superimposed on thoracic outlet syndrome (R > L, though absolutely present in both). Missed an EMG appointment due to a snowstorm, and the neurologist eventually decided that it never would be too clear and told me just to rest them for a long time.
Since I've had the chance this past year to play more piano, I've really been hoping to get back into shape. I've been taking it slow and easy, making sure to not stress my hands and forearms what-so-ever. Seen a teacher about some stretches and proper positioning- always was pretty good, it was more about overdoing.
Question:
What else can I do to help restore functioning and perhaps help my processing of pieces? To outline a more specific goal, I might want to try to get a passable 4-5 trill over a period of...2 years, maybe? I'm also working through Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, very slowly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzerJmdStq8
Side-note:
I take vortioxetine (15 mg) and methylphenidate (2.5-10 mg). I've been meaning to do a post on Neuroscience about possible interactions with 5-HT1a agonism (partial) and other sections. Taken the same dose range for a while. Seems to remain good for me- the methylphenidate has probably been the best thing for my anxiety, oddly. [I've always been a bit paranoid about drugs, so it has been a surprise.]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27087081
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26408868
Thanks in advance.
Last edited: