Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or professional trumpet player, you always look for ways to improve your trumpet playing.
Of course, there are many trumpet-playing tips and tricks to become a better trumpet player.
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Tuesday, February 21st
Let’s talk about five tips to take your trumpet playing to the next level, no matter your level!
Embouchure, breathing, and posture exercises
Getting the basics of embouchure, breathing, and posture exercises will always be a good idea. So devote some time each week to brush up on these skills.
Create a solid practice routine – and stick to it!
We’re told from the second we pick up an instrument to practice, practice, practice! But you need a solid practice routine that becomes a part of your everyday life.
Start with 5-10 minutes of warm-up exercises, and add in some scales, arpeggios, and metronome work. Once you’re warmed up, move on to practicing pieces.
Depending on your (or your student’s) level, practice a few times a week and increase your practice time as your endurance improves.
Clean and maintain your instrument
Take 30 minutes each week and give your horn a good cleaning.
Keep the appropriate trumpet care & cleaning supplies on hand and treat your horn well. It’ll last longer that way and a dirty horn won’t be a distraction.
Play and perform with others
Pump up your practice routine by practicing with others or organizing jam sessions. You’ll have fun, and you can share experiences, learn from others, and, depending on your level, you may even be able to teach them something!
Listen and watch others play
And not just your favorite players! If you’re lucky enough to have access to a jazz club or other music venue, get out as much as you can to see live performances.
If that’s not an option, there are thousands of videos online. Pay attention special to how they incorporate different accessories, like mutes. Hearing other musicians and recognizing different styles will improve your musicianship. Finally, live music is inspiring and exciting and will remind you why you picked up a trumpet in the first place.
Playing the trumpet is fun, challenging, and rewarding; each trumpeter wants to improve their craft. While there are many tips and tricks to get better, getting back to the basics of trumpet playing will always be good.
This article is a re-post, with minor modifications, of “5 Tips to Take Your Trumpet Playing to the Next Level,” published on wwbw.com
