Here's the deal - I've been playing flute for 16 years, though have hardly picked it up for the last few. Level-wise, I did ABRSM 8 (unsure of the US equivalent?) and was working on a performance diploma but didn't pass, and was pretty discouraged. Coupled with starting college/being unable to sustain 4-5h of daily practice, this means I haven't played seriously for some time. I would love to get back into it but can't really afford frequent lessons, and it's been difficult trying to attack pieces I once played with ease - any suggestions? Would finding an instructor help much? I'm in the nyc area if that's relevant, or if anyone has reccomendations.
I have only recently started playing again after a 25 year break. I was a music major in college. I had to quit due to personal reasons. Now with the bad economy, being out of work, I have returned to college. I even got a small music scholarship. I believe that I only accomplished this due to finding a fantastic teacher a little over a year ago when I started playing again.
Good luck with picking up the flute again! If it is of any comfort you very likly play a lot better then me already, due to your background. Maybe you could find a teacher that would teach you every other week, or who could agree to a monthly mentoring and inspiration meeting? Another thing you could try is joining some kind of ensemble. This would help to practice regulary, and give at least some feedback, while having fun playing together.
O wow, it's tuff going back into things after quitting for a while. It happened with me and the flute after I picked up Oboe in my freshman year. I didn't play for a good 2 years but over the past couple months I've picked it up again, enjoy it and have improved. \
Yes finding a good teacher would help tons. And since you live in NYC why don't you try to join a community ensemble (something Cessi suggested)? Two that immediately come to mind are the Lehman College Community Band and the Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra.
And again like Cessi this is good practice that can help you get into gear.
searching...
Maybe you could find a teacher that would teach you every other week, or who could agree to a monthly mentoring and inspiration meeting? Another thing you could try is joining some kind of ensemble. This would help to practice regulary, and give at least some feedback, while having fun playing together. 
.JPG)