So, not been so hot at keeping up to this over the past few days, here's what's happened...

Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were spent practicing the same material I have been doing for a while now. I have however been filming improvisations based upon the material I have been looking at (I will put it up on here when I figure out a way that doesn't take hours on end) and this has brought up some things worth noting...

• Articulations: need to look at how I'm playing the notes. In particular I'm playing a lot of staccato, look at the length I hold notes for more. 
• Phrasing: I often carry on a phrase for a few notes too long. Also look at the impact of phrases, particularly with regards to rhythm and how different articulations change the feel.
• Always make sure the head is controlling the fingers.

On a general note I have been quite down on my playing over the past few days, again. I have a tendency to focus on the negatives. This in one regard is good as at least I know where my weaknesses lay, however it can make practicing daunting and an undesirable task. As I'm finding continually addressing my flaws can be a bit disheartening. Which is why it was quite nice today to stumble upon some old recordings of my playing from 2010, I could hear improvement in just about every aspect (facility, rhythm, note choice etc). This gave me heart and perspective. I'm practicing to improve, simple. However I may feel about my playing, is how I feel, I'm not sure I can change that. But if I practice objectively and honestly I can improve. Which is all I can do.

(Quite tired now so will write up today's practice tomorrow at some point)