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but, due to my ongoing middle ear issues, I've given up playing brass overall. Woodwinds are out, too, with one exception: Recorder. I am using my wife's nice alto to learn on at this point, hoping I'll be confident enough to get a tenor and/or bass sometime soon.

41 years of tuba playing, 35 as a card-carrying pro. I've even resigned from the union for a while, I'm working on basses and even drums a bit, along with recorder. Who knows where this will lead, but it sucks to know I won't play some of my favorite music ever again. I've kept a junker Eb as a failsafe, in case I get the nerve to try it again. And, my wife uses my comp baritone for TubaChristmas, so that's staying too.

Such is life. As I said, few will care, several will probably mock me for writing this. Fine. I'm satisfied with the contributions I've made, the music I've made, the teaching, learning, and exploring I 've done. It's time to move on.

Health always comes first. Best wishes to you!!
Mark

Recorder is a fun instrument - I've played bass mostly, but I think I like tenor the best. Of course, electric bass and string bass have a lot of potential, too, if that's what you mean by basses.

I think more people will care than you think! So sorry this happened. Don't be a stranger around here.

Having totally lost two instruments to dystonia, I think I understand some of what you feel. But you will find a way to keep playing music one way or another. Sorry this happened, and keep on truckin'.

Sorry to hear about this. I offer a bit of hope. I have a friend who is a trumpet player. He had a similar problem so he couldn't play. After about a year he was able to come back. He isn't 100%, but he is back playing. I think he is about 80% of what he was. A recorder should provide you with a new outlet and maybe new adventures.

I'm sorry you are having these problems. It would be hard to give up the tuba after such a lengthy career. Electric bass can be a lot of fun. Good luck with the recorder!

Thank you for sharing this! I feel the time creeping up on me when my playing will drop below what can be satisfying. Already I'm less able to model for my students than I used to, and it's really frustrating. Maybe I'll pick up recorder, too...

Regrets for you, and for me, but always giving thanks for the opportunities we've had!

I'm sorry to hear that... I have suffered from several injuries/illnesses over the years that forced me to put down the tuba for extended periods of time. I thought that I would never be able to play again. However, after an extended break(1-2 years), my body healed and I was able to pick up the tuba again. During my extended "breaks", I found a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment in learning new instruments. It's really hard to experience the loss of something that you have spent a good portion of your life pursuing and something that provided so much enjoyment. Through my experiences, I found that my passion and love for music never changed, no matter what instrument or lack there of was in my hands. Good luck to you and best wishes to you in your next journey in music.

I'm sorry to hear that, Steve. I've enjoyed your visits to The Shop.

The recorder is not to be sniffed at. All the best to you as you work to acquire proficiency with the recorder. There is a lot of great renaissance - baroque music that can be challenging yet rewarding to play. It helps if your wife decides to play a harpsichord.

We all care about you Steve; you're an insightful and articulate person. We hope you'll feel comfortable on tuba some day, until then there's a ton of music to be made on bass. Rock on brother!

Thanks, all.

I (more or less) started playing the recorder in junior high; I still play a little bit, and hope that you're able to find a way to make music.

I have permanent total hearing loss in my right ear due to a middle ear issue. I am a recipient of a Cochlear BAHA implant and have continued top play professionally as well as teach. If you ever feel like discussing such a procedure (although I am not a hearing specialist), feel free to contact me. Is you hearing loss in both ears?

Given the number of replies you've received, obviously there are quite a few of us who care when we hear of a fellow musician facing what you are, and making the decision you've made. I truly hope this isn't the end of your tuba playing, but in the meantime I also hope you find satisfaction in whatever music making you choose. Hang in there, sir -

Give yourself some time to heal - your musicianship won't go away. Best of luck in any event.