Today is my 1-year anniversary of playing trombone again, after 30 years off. In that single year I went from not being able to make a sound on the horn on my first day, to being so busy playing that I'm in desperate need of a night off.

All of the following photos are from the last year, and all are from paying gigs.

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If you're wondering if you can do it, wonder no longer. You can! Just do it. :) Don't wait.

Let's hear from those who have come back after long layoffs. What's your story? Are you glad you did it?

I came back after 10 years off. I only regained a portion of what I had before from a technical point of view, but I'm having a lot of fun doing it.

I took a 15 year layoff. I have had a few false starts over the years but this time I stayed with it.

I am happily playing in community band and doing church solos.

I did not come back super strong so I am going to wait a few years before I try for paying gigs.

[quote="hyperbolica"]I came back after 10 years off. I only regained a portion of what I had before from a technical point of view, but I'm having a lot of fun doing it.[/quote]

What do you think is the reason you didn't get back all your technical ability? Is it something physical, or age-related, or just not willing to put in the effort, or what?