As professional musicians, our instruments are our tools of the trade. So, it’s important to keep that instrument in the best possible working condition. Regular instrument maintenance is vital for the professional working musician.
I mean, think about it: if you’re a race car driver competing in a Grand Prix, you would want the best car possible, right? Because just the slightest lug or bolt slightly out of alignment could add a fraction of a second to your time, and cost you the trophy. And why would it be any different for a musician and their chosen instrument?
I’ll tell you why. Because music is not a sport. It’s art. And my saxophone is not some sort of cold piece of machinery that either works or it doesn’t; and if something is slightly out of alignment then I wouldn’t perform as well, preferring to swap it for a new sax off the factory line.
Here’s the difference: my saxophone and I, for better or worse, are in a long term relationship. No, it’s not the perfect horn. It’s been bumped around. It has a few leaks here and there. It can be cantankerous. And it certainly doesn’t play as smoothly as a new horn. But let me ask you, in your relationship, what do you look for in a partner? Do you want some sort of perfect, submissive subordinate that lets you do whatever you want and agrees with everything you say, and it’s all smooth sailing and sunshine and
