Does your practicing cause you to feel like swearing occasionally? Well, so does my own, but I'm going to demonstrate in this post why it's better to be thankful even for the mistakes we make than beating ourselves up or allowing negative thinking. Repetition with goals in mind I can't think of anything more irritating than the process I'm about to take you through in this post. So why am I doing it? Not to promote swearing, but simply because the results will blow you away while saving you time and effort. The process I'm talking about is repetition: correctly and in a row. Don't miss the "in a row" feature. If the goals are to solidify clean releases, smooth slurs, and relaxation through the final note, let's say the first two in a row are right, but the third time one of the slurs is sloppy. Since these criteria have to be met, then you have to start over at number one. If this process drives you crazy, here's what to do: Set a time limit. Say 10 minutes on day one. If it feels better the next day, then add five minutes, etc. The point is to make progress, not have a mental breakdown. Speaking of mental processes Don't be a judge of your work. Be neutral emotionally regarding when to repeat and when to go on. Also try thanking God after every attempt, good or bad. It may seem counter-intuitive to be thankful for something undesirable, but the effect it has on the nervous system will convince any skeptic. If you are skeptical that there is a God, and don't want to address thoughts to Him, try being thankful in some way or try it as an experiment. Studies in the field of Psycho-Neuro-Immunology have shown that sending messsages like these feeds our nervous systems which then restores, strengthens and revitalizes muscles in their efforts to give us what we ask of them. A few tips before you embark
The recordings below aim for three in a row. Sometimes I play it seven, eight or more times until three in a row is reached. I have recorded the entire process for your enjoyment AND for your benefit. By listening to my mistakes, you may make fewer mistakes of your own. Try it, and if you get it right quicker because of hearing my mistakes, let me know. Better yet, send me your recordings if you'd like feedback! Also notice that the number of repetitions increase as I begin to tire. This is the point where the most effective work gets done, though it's definitely the messiest. It's also the part of my practicing I'm most thankful for. Each recording will stop after three correct attempts. Listen to the end, then play until you achieve 3 in a row. Click the next recording to continue. (Quarter note = 92) At this point, many players experience difficulty getting the lower notes to speak. If that's you, or if you just prefer something else, click here to switch to another set of exercises that work the middle register. These are Schlossberg no. 31, which are great for everyone. Please note, however, that they proceed without repetition except where noted. Play along with me or wait until the end of each recording and then play. If you get a bad release, or poor slur on any one measure, go back and repeat that individual note or slur three times before going on to the next recording. Finally, another way to build this process after repetition is to correct what went wrong in the next measure rather than repeating. Click below to keep going with Stamp exercises. In the following recordings, I utilize a couple of different variations to help air flow. One is articulation in which I use both TA and KA syllables. Another variation is speeding up the tempo as these exercises get longer. Finally, notice that the amount of rest between each attempt is roughly half the length of time played.
I hope you've enjoyed this trumpet workout. Carry on and remember to practice thankfully this week!
11/19/2018 12:45:00 pm
Glenda, anyone would be so incredible blessed to have you as a trumpet teacher! I find so many of your suggestions applicable to teaching any musical instrument. Bravo on your great website! Comments are closed.
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GlendaI'm a trumpet player and music teacher aiming in this blog to help other Trumpeters, Music Enthusiasts, Music Educators, and aspiring professionals reach their highest potential in life through the study and cultivation of musical skills. Music Education
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