BTB Practice Journals

Notes from my own practice journals. including things I’ve tried, what worked and what didn’t. Here’s where you’ll also find plenty of perspective on the struggles and frustrations we all face as trumpet players.

June 2015 Trumpet Practice Update

Studio Eins

(Studio Eins)

Hi all, just wanted to keep you updated on what’s happening out here in the practice garage.

First off, I have dubbed my practice space “Studio Eins.” I think that means “Studio One” in German. Any German speakers out there that can confirm this?

Podcast!

I had the wonderful opportunity of hanging with my good trumpet-playing, composer friend …

February 2015 Practice Update: Books, and Bright Spots

A Book Review

I recently started reading a very cool book about creating change in your life and others called Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard (affiliate). We like change here – considering that’s what practice is all about.

Here’s a summary of what I’ve learned so far and later I’ll show you how I’ve applied it to practice: …

January 2015 Practice Update: Month Review and Beyond!

Introduction

Hello friends – thank you all for investing your time in reading this post. I’m thinking that at the beginning of each month I’ll look back on the previous months work, determine where I am in relation to my long-term goals, and make any necessary modifications. My intention is that you can use this information to make better decisions about how you direct your own energies and hopefully offer up some creative approaches to achieving your own playing goals.

That said – IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE FROM THIS BLOG LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION!

This blog is a resource for the readers. If you like the direction the posts are moving – let me know! If you want something else – Let me know!

January 2015 Basics

What I Learned from Focusing on One Skill for All (OK Most) of 2014

IMG_5083

Introduction

When you find yourself becoming a better musician it feels good. As previously discussed, a great way to accomplish this is by spending time with your weaknesses.

Just at the tail-end of 2013 I decided to get after a serious weakness of my own – my articulation. I’m not sure if it’s because I spent so much time in the south but my tongue was slow.

Reeaaaal Slow.

This being the case I hailed 2014 “The Year of the Articulation.”

Here’s how it all went down. …