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This is the fifth part of “Making Trumpet Playing Easier.’ Click here to start with Part I.
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What is the Best Practice Routine?
One of the main problems we face these days when learning something new is information overload.
Sure, having access to everything, anytime, might seem pretty convenient, but it also makes it tough to choose and stick with any one program.
That’s why this email series has only talked about one fundamental aspect of playing – ease in tone production – along with just two simple exercises.
And while it might seem unbelievable in relation to the sheer amount of routine and method books at our disposal, those two drills just might be all the ‘routine’ you need.
That’s because what you’re internalizing is the feeling of playing the trumpet. And once you know how it feels, you can pretty much whatever you want while continuing to improve.
All you need to do is learn a new piece of music, pattern or exercise and pay attention to your playing mechanics as you work through the notes. When you find a sticking point where those mechanics start to break down, hang out there for awhile. In doing so, you’ll learn just about everything you need to know.
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There Are a Few More Useful Habits
While these past drills will teach you the feeling of proper tone production, there are a few other practice habits which lead to the development of a supremely reliable playing embouchure.
Now, I’m not claiming to do these other exercises every day, but I do find drills which target the initial attack and ability to play wider intervals with a connected sound very helpful – especially with regard to playing confidence.
So, if you liked these emails and are looking for a step-by-step, ground up approach to building a rock-solid playing foundation, check out the Trade School.
The Trade School is a collection of self-paced, full-blown playing curriculums.
- Trumpet Foundations
- Ear-Training for Trumpeters
- Trumpet Master Class
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