How to practice??

Goldenchops55 · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 5:57 pm Post subject:

Hello all,
I have tried many different ways of practicing. At first I did't practice at all, but during the last 3 out of 4 of my trumpet playing years I have become obsessed with becoming better. I am not very satisfied with my current playin ability. Everyone at school is awed, but I think there is A LOT of improving to do. I really need to work on endurance. Its not terrible, but it ain't that great. I can usually nail a Bb at the end of a football game. I would like to know a good way to practice. My current range is second Pedal C to Dubble G. I have great technique, power, and tone(for a 13 year old). What I am getting at is, how should I practice?? I have tried Quad. C's reccomendation of practicing 30 minutes and resting an hour. I used to play an hour rest an hour. My band director attended a siminar Saturday and Duke Ellington's Lead trumpeter was there. He said that he would practice 15 mins, rest 15 mins, practice15 mins..... What is the best way to practice?? I don't want to underpractice, but I don't wanna overpractice either. Could yall please give me some advice on how to practice??

Quadruple C · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Nov 2001 Posts: 1448

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-12-15 19:34 ]

Goldenchops55 · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 7:26 pm Post subject:

Hey Quad C,
Thanks for the compiments. I would like to know how to get Caruso's six note study. I have heard a lot about it and would like to give it a try. Can you tell me where I could find it??

NCTrumpet · Veteran Member Joined: 03 Jan 2002 Posts: 113

I can admire your dedication and committment at such a young age (what is it, 13?). Sounds a bit like you're a little tough on yourself. Be satisfied that you're getting one heck of a headstart on your generation of musicians and just enjoy things. Keep doing what you're doing in regards to the studying and practicing. But there's nothing like having a bunch of years under your belt to give you great perspective and confidence. It'll happen. When it really matters, you'll have it. Sometimes patience is the greatest virtue a musician can have.

John C.

tom turner · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 9:31 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Gosh, proper practice is SO important! For me that means to enjoy practice (whatever that means to you!!!!!!!)

Make your practice times enjoyable and you will embark on a lifetime love affair with the trumpet.

Quadruple C · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Nov 2001 Posts: 1448

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-12-15 19:35 ]

_bugleboy · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2002 4:02 am Post subject:

The following site has some Caruso exercises including the Six Notes.

http://www-it.hive.no/oj/musikk/trompet/artist/friedrich/seminar/caruso.html

Most important, follow directions closely. The instructions are fairly accurate EXCEPT for the direction to relax pressure between intervals on the Seconds while breathing. Pressure should be maintained throughout the breathing activity. This can be substantiated by getting the book "Musical Calisthenics For Brass" by Carmine Caruso, plus the instructions will be better stated. But the above site is pretty good for free!

CR

Tdfights · Posted: Thu May 10, 2018 4:42 pm Post subject:

The best way to practice is to ENJOY the practice. That way you will do it more. Whatever you practice, don't ever let yourself get bored with it.

blbaumgarn · Heavyweight Member Joined: 26 Jul 2017 Posts: 705

If you are younger and just finding your way, congratulatons for asking an important question early. There are four things that learning any skill information can entail. 1. it needs to be specific. 2. it needs to be progressive
3. it needs to be measurable 4. it needs to be attainable. This applies training in a weight room. On an athletic field. in a classroom and much much in music. You could and should sit with your instructor or someone good in high school about setting a basic practice schedule. Warm ups, studies, etudes, cool downs, etc. Then you need to realize that most method books and such are designed to become more difficult (progressive). In athletic training this is referred to as applying the "overload principle". Next you need to measure whether you or you and your instructor feel you have achieved enough on a study, solo, whatever. Music is subjective in its measurement most of the time. Last, what you practice short and long term needs to be attainable. A good instructor will know when to back you away from studies that you aren't ready for and move you along when you are ready for a new challenge. Someone else commented that "fun" is very important and I agree. As you grow change up your routine a little to make practice fun. Use the best resources at your school. Older students that are now taking lessons could be invaluable. Most of all Best of Luck and enjoyment. Playing the trumpet is just a gas.

Andy Del · Posted: Fri May 11, 2018 1:30 pm Post subject:

It is fantastic you are reaching out and seeking more knowledge, help and a way to improve your playing. Already you are ahead in the game and this is putting you in a good place for your future.

There is far, far more to practice than how long and pacing. There is what, when, in what way, etc. etc. I have students who are obsessed with sight reading, high register, not making mistakes, others who literally do not think at all, and all are so different there is no one solution I can give them. I craft individual solutions, programs of work... etc.

This is the same in this forum - there is a ton of advice, yet not one of us have heard you play. The very best advice you will get is from a GOOD trumpet teacher who is hearing you play. Unless your band director is trumpet player themselves, they are not that person, regardless of their obvious ability to inspire you to get to this point.

That's the long way of saying get a teacher. Do whatever (legally) to get one. If you get the right person, you won't regret it, it will be a treasure for the rest of your life.

cheers

Andy
_________________
so many horns, so few good notes...

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

I wonder how it worked out for the OP. He'd be 29 or 30 by now.

pinstriper · Posted: Fri May 11, 2018 3:46 pm Post subject:

Brad361 · Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 5:54 am Post subject:

CJceltics33 · Veteran Member Joined: 24 Aug 2017 Posts: 475

This site needs a “like” button.

Brad[/quote]

EXACTLY RIGHT

fijimorgan · Regular Member Joined: 08 Jun 2018 Posts: 12

For endurance, make sure you drink plenty of water. It flushes out the lactic acid in the muscles and increases elasticity.

For how to practice, read the Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. Bobby Shew told me about it and completely changed everything about how to practice. But yes, rest as much as you play.

Harryw413 · New Member Joined: 05 Jun 2018 Posts: 8

Try recording your entire practice session and listening back to it

helsinkiscott · New Member Joined: 26 Jun 2018 Posts: 5

[quote]For how to practice, read the Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. Bobby Shew told me about it and completely changed everything about how to practice. But yes, rest as much as you play.[/quote]

That was a great book. Changed the way I understand learning and practicing. Highly recommended!