Concert, skill and ambition

I do think, Noel, that also you might try to hear in your mind what it is you want to sound like as you play. It's a bit like your believe and think and it comes true. If you listen to someone else play and then you say aha, this is what I am imaginging myself sounding like as I play... then when you take up your instrument you will be more ready to get there -there being the sound you are looking for. I played the violin years ago. There is some validity to the Suzuki method, on that front. Of course learning to let go as you play is a wonderful thing, but mind that you aren't expecting yourself to sound bad. ;-)

Thanks for the tip. I do try and 'hear' in my mind the sound I want to make, but this serves as a good reminder. I remember Itzhak Perlman saying on DVD, if you can hear the sound in your head, there's a chance you might play it. But if you can't hear the sound in your head, you never will. Thanks. Noel