Wellness profile with Tuba player, Nimrod Ron!

Q: How would you describe your lifestyle (student/traveling performer/9-5 job/etc.)?
A: I am an orchestral player (for the last six years), playing with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra based in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Also, since 2016 I also play with the West Eastern Divan Orchestra, a project that brings musicians from the Middle East to experiment with coexistence and play together under the baton of Maestro Barenboim.

Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: Crossing boundaries and creating something new.
In the beginning of my musical studies I was very motivated to prove to myself that I can play very loud, or very fast, and each day pushing the metronome up one click proved very motivating.
Today, I am more focused on pushing the tuba repertoire forward. I’ve been talking to many composers on writing new music for the tuba, with different sets of accompanying ensembles. The tuba is a relative young instrument and introducing it to young composers and seeing their reactions is priceless.

I have recently recorded an album which I am very proud of for two tubas solo and brass ensemble with my dear friends Sergio Carolino and Hugo Assunção as musical director.
I am now working on commissioning composers and recording music for tuba and string ensemble, about half of the album is already recorded and the rest should follow shortly!

Q: Describe a daily routine that makes you feel great.
A: As a child I was super ADHD, and was very unorganized. Through growing up I discover that when I make a schedule for myself, I tend to follow it and everything gets done!
6:30 Wake up and eat a fruit
7:30 – 9:15 Practice fundamentals
9:30 – 12:30 Orchestra rehearsal
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Exercise
16:00 Short nap
18-19:30 Practicing music for upcoming projects
19:30-20:00 relaxed walk in the neighborhood
20:00 TV/Book
22:30 Bed time
This is how most days look for me, of course there are some changes whether I have to teach during the day or whether I have some other interesting projects but I try to keep a regular schedule.

Q: What is one habit would you like to change?
A: I managed to reduce my TV time drastically in the last couple of months. Now, the next item on the agenda is to reduce the time I spend using my phone.

Q: What is your practicing routine, if you have one?
A: I try to keep the most basic fundamental routine, but stretching it to the max. For example:
Every day I will begin my practice session with thinking about what I want to achieve today and planning the session in my head.

I will then start with a couple of minutes of breathing and buzzing exercise while I move around the room, to really wake up the body.
Then I play all the scales, each day alternating between slow/fast tempi, different types of articulation/legato and number of octaves, each day pushing the limits by playing longer, faster, lower, higher and with a more comfortable feeling.

I try to take a 5 minute break every 25 minutes and this helps me stay focused and mentally prepare for the next part of my routine. I then read some music that is not written for the tuba and try to imitate the music making of some great artists.

Q: Describe a habit or a ritual you do every day and you "swear by".
A: I try to read as much as I can and make notes to learn from other people experiences. At the moment I am reading “Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind” and it really feels like I arrived home and I am really inspired by every word.

Q: Do you exercise regularly? If yes, what do you do and how often?
A: I do! I try to be active everyday, although living in Iceland this can prove a bit difficult at times. I swim 3-4 times a week and if there is especially nice weather I go hiking, which normally happens once a week. Besides that, I just try to walk outside for 30 minutes every evening before I go to bed.

Q: What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
A: BE CURIOUS!
I try to learn something from everyone I meet. Whether it is regarding their practice routine, exercise, nutrition, if we are curious, we can always learn more.

Q: Before going to bed, what do you do to wind down?
A: I take a nice walk outside where there is a nice path that goes through a lava field. I am very fortunate to have this beautiful area just outside my apartment.

Q: How do you deal with rejection? Can you share an example?
A: For me, there is nothing better than rejection as a catalyst for motivation.
I have taken an audition some years ago where I wasn’t offered the job. It brought up a lot of self doubt which was a great tool to reflect on my musical choices, ideas, and path.
Since then, I have again become much more curious about the music that I play, how I investigate different styles and study score, it has proven extremely valuable to my practice sessions.

Q: What helps you focus?
A: I am a big fan of schedules and goal making.
Set a goal, make a plan, and make it happen.

Q: How do your splurge yourself?
A: A nice long hike!