Best thing ever?

[Yoinks]

I have a question for you Mr. Harbison. What would you say is the single best thing that Mr. Adam ever said to you, that really helped you out? For me right now, it was at my last lesson, where he told me to stop preparing to play a note, and just put the horn up there and nail it.

[4Him]

I am not Mr. Harbison, but I'd like to reply to your question. Yesterday I had my first lesson with a student of Mr. Adam. For all of the good things I learned, what has replayed in my mind for 24 hours now is "Trumpet playing does not have to be that hard to do." For me, that statement causes me to examine all of the crazy things I do (in a physically manipulative way) to get what I want to get our of my trumpet. I am stepping out into what I anticipate is a more natural way of playing. Even though for now I feel like I sound like a 9 year old when I just "put the horn to my lips and blow", it makes more sense than engaging every muscle in my face (neck, shoulders, chest, arms....) to play.

This is gonna be fun...

BTW, Mr. Harbison. I downloaded an audio clip off your site. Nice stuff!

Ken
_________________
The man that has no music in himself,nor is not moved with the concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, strategems and spoils; the motions of his spirit are dull as night, and his affections are dark as Erebus: let no such man be trusted. Shakespeare

[Yoinks]

firstly, I would like to say, that everyone else is free to respond to this with their "best piece of advice" from Mr. Adam, so thank you to Ken.

Secondly, I would like to say to you, stick in there! Mr. Adam doesn't say your muscles don't do anything, you just aren't supposed think about it, and focus on that very much. It can be very difficult to switch over to playing like this at first. I know I could barely make a sound out of the trumpet at first when doing this. However, after three years of following this, and taking lessons with several Adam students, as well as Mr. Adam himself, my sound is absolutely 1000% better, as well as the rest of my playing. I listen to recordings of myself from before, and wonder how I ever could have thought that I had good tone or control of any kind(which I did at the time.) So stick with it, you have hit upon something good.

[PH]

Man, this is tough...

(to be continued)

[4Him]

Well, Pat, the suspense is killing us.... You were saying???

Ken
_________________
The man that has no music in himself,nor is not moved with the concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, strategems and spoils; the motions of his spirit are dull as night, and his affections are dark as Erebus: let no such man be trusted. Shakespeare

[PH]

Probably the most important thing Mr. Adam ever told me was, "You don't have to put someone else's light out to make yours shine brighter."

In other words, putting other players down (or other "schools" of playing) does nothing to make you a better (or more visible and successful) player. On the contrary, it sets up a negative attitude about music making and trumpet playing that can keep you from being the best possible player and person.

Adam often said that the best part of his gig was that he always had a studio full of great people who set goals, worked hard, and were real gentlemen and ladies (in the best possible sense). As far as he is concerned (and I concur), you aren't a success unless these traits are in place-no matter how you play.

[ This Message was edited by: PH on 2002-01-04 15:55 ]

[Yoinks]

Yeah, I would have to say that is a pretty good one.

[hereandthere]

[ This Message was edited by: hereandthere on 2002-05-31 14:37 ]

[pair of kings]

Re Pat's quote,"Probably the most important thing Mr. Adam ever told me was, "You don't have to put someone else's light out to make yours shine brighter."
In the real world, I notice that this holds true. The best players that I work with generally have the least 'attitude' and give credit to others freely where it's due and encouragement as well.
The one's who act like they have something to prove usually do.
Strawdoggy - if you read this you are a great example. a great player with a really kind demeanor to anyone who is at least trying. and to Bill Hicks - thanks for encouraging me instead of busting my chops. Appreciated greatly!!!

[PH]

To the top!

[razeontherock]

FWIW: Mr. Adam consistently told me 2 things - "easy" and "keep practicing!" Not real insightful I know, but just try to find fault with that ...
_________________
"And this is life: that you know the Son, and the One who sent Him." The rest is just details

[Billy B]

"What we are really trying to do here is make you the best person that you can be. We are merely using the trunpet to help you get there."

"It takes some guys longer than others."

[razeontherock]

Boy, Billy, that sure sums up a lot of why we're called "disciples" and not students! I know my involvement with the Adam crowd definitely made me a better person!
_________________
"And this is life: that you know the Son, and the One who sent Him." The rest is just details

[thatleadguy]

[dbacon]

"You don't have to put someone else's light out to make yours shine brighter."


This needs to go at the top of the Herald! Front page, on the logo, up front!!

[trumpity]

Mr Adam mentioned to me three things to be a trumpet player: one needs a

1) trumpet

2) player

3) the person behind the trumpet

[dbacon]

4. A Practice room!

[mmccourt]

Blowing the leadpipe and something about Montana