My daughter just started trumpet!

Big C · Last edited by Big C on Sat May 14, 2022 5:59 pm; edited 2 times in total

Hey folks. I may have posted here 3 1/2 years ago, when my 4th grade son chose clarinet... I believe I asked if there was a support group I could join. (Just kidding: All instruments are great!)

Anyway, my 4th grade daughter, who knows what side her bread is buttered on, started trumpet! They're off to a late start, due to the pandemic. That's okay, but compounding the situation is that our district's schools also have strings, which pretty much means the elementary teacher is going to be a "strings specialist" and not a winds specialist (certainly not a brass specialist).

(I am a former high school/college/sometimes community band trumpet player, currently not playing too much. I would not describe myself as a "musician" -- out of respect for actual musicians).

Any ideas for a 9 yr old in her first six months of trumpet? What I am doing right now is, we go through the early exercises in her band book... I play it, we sing it and then she plays it. As it has been only a few weeks, I'm discouraging her from playing any songs that stray from the G-down-to-C range. I've never given lessons before; one thing I'm wary of is having her dislike what we're doing.

Oh, I read the thread that's currently on the "Fundamentals" forum. Any advice would be appreciated!
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JayKosta · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 5:57 am Post subject:

Determine if YOU developed any 'less desirable' playing techniques - such as excess mouthpiece pressure, stretched lips, etc.), and help your daughter avoid them.

Keep it fun and interesting!
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Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

WxJeff · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2022 6:00 am Post subject:

Perhaps you're already doing this: simple duets together. Keep her excited and that you're "all in."

When my grandson came excitedly home with the stereotypical 4th grade recorder we played "Hot Cross Buns" and a couple similar tunes from his book.
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jps141 · Posted: Sat May 07, 2022 11:57 am Post subject:

I have a 9 year old daughter and teach beginning 4th grade band. It is all about getting them excited about playing. I have found that as long as I can get them really excited about playing, it’s a piece of cake to teach the correct techniques. Good luck!

Jeff