Learning Strategies for Trumpet Playing

When learning from an external source, it is useful to remember something – the ideas presented are an expression of the teacher’s experience. They are not “truth.” Their ideas usually represent an understanding upon reflection of their own journey. There are many ways to do and think about activities which ultimately lead to mastery.

Strategies for Learning from Others

One example of a learning strategy is to try out everything you come in contact with and see what you like. This “throwing out the spread to see what sticks” approach can be useful in finding exercises or concepts that ring true with you. Conversely, you learn what does not work for you. By understanding what something is not you get a clearer picture of what it is. In this way you hone in on the ideas that you will be able to use for an extended period of time.

Another approach is to listen to people who have very clear ideas about what, why, and how they do things – and simply letting their words sink in without judgment. By keeping an open mind you allow their information to easily enter your subconscious. This data is then scanned against previously learned ideas. As you progress further along your learning process, certain ideas will reemerge when and if they are needed. After rumination you gain a very deep understanding of the concepts. When these ideas come from within they create powerful change. Keep in mind that the more data you accumulate the better informed your subconscious mind will be for coming to appropriate conclusions. In this way it really is all good.

Your Ideas Work Best

Do not blindly follow the advice of others. There is nothing wrong with beginning a path laid out by someone who has the skills you desire – just follow your intuition while undergoing the process. Deep learning is the result of finding your own way.

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