Congrats on your recovery!!!

I haven't taken off time from playing in awhile, and I am in the midst of trying to learn somewhere around 60 songs to start gigging in April. My last lay-off from playing was ten years!!! I definitely didn't improve from that layoff. But I can see where you're coming from. After all, you were probably just itching to play with sticks what your head was hearing.

Keep it steady and stay well!!!

I notice an 'improvement' if I lay off for a day or two. I play every day. I work on stuff that is hard or difficult for me. It can be frustrating. But if I lay off for a day or two, when I go back, all of a sudden, I'm able to play through licks and tricks that I was struggling with just days before.

I think a lot of it has to do with enthusiasm for playing. If you lay off for a couple of days, it's like you go back 'hungry' to play. I'm 'mossy' after a short lay-off. Creativity just oozes out in gobs. So yes, I have noticed a change in my playing after a short lay-off. Not quite sure how that works because it's counterintuitive. You'd think, the more consistently you play/practice, the better you play. I play better after a break in the regular practice schedule.

Funny you should bring this up as it is something I noticed only recently myself. You put into words what I was only ruminating about in my own head. I bet you get some interesting responses.

John

I've had a few long vacations from drumming. Each time I think I came back better mentally prepared. I also use mini-breaks from my art to rejuvinate creativity. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder. "( or was that "makes the hard-on grow firmer"?)

larry

Supro, also, congrats on you're recovery!

I've had a few drumming lay-offs and I may be the first one to say I feel like my playing is worse each time back & it's a lot of work to get back to the level of "Comfortability" I had before I stopped playing.

Right now, for instance, I feel like my feet are totally out of shape.

I'm sure a lot of it stems from not really haing a place to "Woodshed" (Which drives me crazy)

I will say though, it does make me pay more attention to technique (What little I play with) & that seems to be what helps gets me through.

I does kill me though that I don't feel like I play with the "Personality" I once had.

Violin

Hey Richie, I think it depends on how long you're away for. A week can be too long for me sometimes. I find it takes a session or two to get the chops up. I'm never away for more than two days, which for me, let's me come back fresh and ready to play. Anything longer than a couple/few weeks off is going to start showing in your chops/control.

John

Thank you all so much for the support... everyone.

It's been a long but steady recovery, and every day I feel that much closer to my old self.

Normally, a long break from drums would definitely make me feel less confident in some ways behind the kit, but this time it was different. I don't know quite how to describe it, but I have been listening to my favorite drummers so intently and had such an urge for a comeback, that I feel like I really soaked in the feeling behind the playing. I truly feel in the pocket these days, and truly understand what it means to be in the pocket.

It's pretty much nothing short of awesome.

Congrats on your recovery!

Coming through heart surgery is a challenge and a test of body will and emotion.

My sister had by-pass surgery in November and is feeling much better.

It could be too that you are feeling really good and "up", having a fresh start on life and drumming and you're really happy to be alive and well enough to play. You're in the pocket of life again!

Coming close to losing your health gives one a new appreciation for life and all it has to offer, drumming being a big part of that. Enjoy!Jump For Joy

kellyj

I'm glad to hear your recovery went well and your back playing again! I stopped seriously drumming for over 20 years. Life, wife and 4 children didn't leave me much time to play daily. 2 of our children play drums so that has given me some seat time now and then but not on a regular basis. I'm very, very rusty but practice almost a hour a day now. I'm 53 but listen and enjoy all types of music. And it's been a blast to start playing again. I can say it's now a bit easier to figure things out. I have gotten some great advice and tips form everyone here on drumming. And great info on vintage drums in general. I even bought a old fixer upper kit to play. I learn new things everyday. For me vids on You tube on drumiing tips, lessons, how to plays, etc... and just old songs I like has been a big help.