Breaking notes constantly (heeeeeeelp)

JoseLindE4 · Heavyweight Member Joined: 18 Apr 2003 Posts: 791

The most efficiently designed car will run off the road if the driver is blindfolded. The most efficient trumpet player will easily miss if they can't hear the tune internally. Sing everything in tune. If you can't consistently sing it in tune and accurately, your chances for missing go way up.

If you miss something, check to see if you're driving blindfolded. Can you sing it in tune and accurately? You don't have to be a great singer to sing in tune.

If you don't sing during your practice, start.

If you already sing, sing at least twice as much.

If you sing twice as much, sing three times as much...

Sing more.

GeorgeB · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 8:06 am Post subject:

Trolarg, you sound pretty darn good. I have made that sound you demonstrated every now and then (though much less after I switched from a 10 1/2C to a 3C mp ). Keep on practicing and concentrate on a solid air flow, because that sound, for me, often occurred when I was almost out of breath.

And, though many wouldn't want to admit it, it is not all that uncommon with even experienced players. I heard a pretty good player ( 30 years blowing the horn ) make that sound just a few nights ago. Don't sweat it.
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GeorgeB
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1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
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Steve A · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 8:38 am Post subject:

TrumpetJoel · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 10:21 am Post subject:

Hey Trolarg, some great advice already in this thread, particularly the bits about singing, hearing the note in your head, making sure your air is ready to go, and lip bending. I wouldn't mess around with your setup or chops unless directed to by a teacher that knows your playing well. You sound really good, I mean it.

I play trumpet for a living, and this mistake happens to me every single day of my entire life, no exaggeration. When it happens, it's frustrating, but refer to the already-posted Phil Smith comment for your guidance on how to overcome the frustration. Luckily, regarding the mistake itself, it's nearly always a result of a lack of mental focus. Sometimes it's not enough air, sometimes not hearing it well enough, sometimes using to much chops (AKA not enough air). Point is, it's always fixable, or at least possible to minimize.
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Derek Reaban · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 11:23 am Post subject:

Trolarg,

Steve A brings up a really good point that needs to be repeated:

trolarg · Regular Member Joined: 17 Oct 2016 Posts: 47

Im really glad i got all these comments, my teacher although great, just says that i should keep practicing and not to worry about it but im such a perfectionist at playing that i get annoyed if something is a little bit off, ill definetly try singing the notes first
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TrpPro · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 2:40 pm Post subject:

Two words: Slow dow.

Slow down the phrase that you get the frack on. Really slow, not just a few clicks on the metronome. Half speed and more. Make half notes out of 16ths. And stay at that speed for days... or weeks. Give the muscles a chance to figure out what you want them to do.