45 years away. What to do...

aae991 · New Member Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 3

After essentially not playing for 45 years, I've decided to play again for fun and mental stimulation. I was semi-pro when I stopped and ended up in business as a career. My first concern is my trumpet. It's a beat up Bach Stradivarius 37 circa late 1960s (made in Elkhart). Should I spend the money to refurbish it? The bell was damaged and hammered out many years ago. The main slide is stuck. Valves seem okay. Would I be better off buying something new or lightly used?

Next question is my embouchure. I had some bad habits when I stopped long ago that might have made playing more difficult than needed. Should I start like I never played before and learn correct habits?

Thanks for any advice. I've missed playing all of these years, but my career got in the way. My ultimate goal would be to play in a local wind ensemble made up of other local musicians.

Dayton · Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 8:51 am Post subject:

Welcome back to trumpet playing! Some thoughts for you:

aae991 · New Member Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 3

Great advice! I already contacted Dana Hofer brass repair here in the Chicago area. As for teachers, I'll look into that. Yes, those old habits worry me, even if this is just for fun.

kehaulani · Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 9:01 am Post subject:

It kind of depends on what encourages you and how much coin you have. If you need something new and shiny, get a new horn for incentive to practice. If that's not a factor, send your horn to James Becker at Osmun Music and he'll put in top condition.

Regarding your embouchure, yes definitely start anew and do it right. There are different embouchure theories and you'll no doubt get conflicting suggestions. So rather than dissing other systems, it's just what appeals to you and works for you. I personally had good results by combining Maggio's exercises (not his embouchure, just the exercises), and The Balanced Embouchure.

Regarding gentle comeback texts, you could explore David Hickmans' 100 Progressive Lessons for Trumpet for the Beginning or Comeback Player or Mitchell on Trumpet. Both are self-contained, progressive and balanced set of lessons.
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aae991 · New Member Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 3

A.N.A.Mendez · Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 7:54 pm Post subject:

Long tones. LONG TONES.
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Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 3187

Chicago area? DR. Valve, Rick Moravik, get the horn in good playing condition. There are an abundance of good qualified teachers available.

gwood66 · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2020 2:19 pm Post subject:

I have taken several horns to Dana Hofer for cleaning and repair. He did good work and he's a good guy.

ltkije1966 · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2020 2:52 pm Post subject:

I recommend lessons!

Mark Ponzo teaches in Elgin. Very reasonable rates and an incredible teacher. PM me for his contact info, if you need it. He's worth the drive. He'll set you straight regarding embouchure and bad habits.

Good luck.
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MrOlds · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2020 2:58 pm Post subject:

When I started playing again my daughter asked my wife if it was supposed to sound that bad.

My experience was that I was sort of able to play within a few months. But I decided to learn to play correctly and took lessons from a serious teacher. It wound up taking as long to really play as it did the first time. There are sadly no shortcuts and older muscles don’t do anything as easily as younger muscles. So don’t be discouraged if it takes a while.

Have fun. They call it “playing” music for a reason.