Okay, I've been playing trumpet since fifth grade and previously had never fallen below third chair. When I entered high school, I wanted to focus more on the academic portion, so I quit. But I missed playing my instrument too much and re-joined second semester. When I got back on it, I was terrible, to say the least. My range had completely sputtered (used to get a C above the staff, was lucky if I got an E in the staff) and I thought that that is what happens when you don't play for a while. Eventually, I worked it up to where my range was up to an F. The thing is, it is seven months after I got back on and I haven't really improved any more since. I thought it could be my braces, but that would have worked it's way out rather quickly. Seriously, any problems you think I might have, I would find it worthwhile for me to address them.
2006-08-10 09:47:42 · 4 answers · asked by mitchhodson 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
Sorry, but the layoff would have worn off by now, so it's more about the braces. You are suddenly trying to get those small embouchure muscles NOT to do what they are trying to remember how to do. You have to train them in a whole new job. The answer isn't quick or particularly fun, but you know you missed it, so here's what you have to do. Every day, start with some easy note (G-C on the staff) long tones. Play them as long as you can in one breath with a swell in the middle and always trying to get your most beautiful, clearest tone.
Follow that up with lip slurs, once again starting in the middle and working your way outward both up and down the range you can hit. Don't use too much pressure and don't strain yourself trying to go too high too soon. Do this every day in addition (preferably before) the playing you do at school.
It will get better- Hang in there!
2006-08-10 11:10:27 · answer #1 · answered by Arrow 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Less pressure. Mouthpiece buzzing fifteen minutes a day. Lip slurs are the answer. When you practice, make sure that you DO NOT STOP playing for at least 15/20/25/30 minutes straight. That means you ONLY stop for breaths. Not: Play a scale. Stop. Pick another scale. Empty valves of water. Bring instrument up. Cough. Play another scale. Stop. Answer phone. Nope. Play straight through. That is the only way to build endurance. I have found that playing lots in the LOWER register also helps the upper. Then use lip slurs to connect them, making sure that the good tone you get on the bottom notes infects the notes at he top. Hear the sound you wan in your head and LISTEN TO RECODINGS!!!! :)
2006-08-12 01:53:38 · answer #2 · answered by I STILL love my Honda Civic 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As musicians, we all go through times where we hit a plateau.
It's difficult to get through, but if you just keep at it and keep practicing, you will make it.
2006-08-10 16:54:45 · answer #3 · answered by Doogie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried turning your instrument around, and blowing into the small end?
2006-08-10 16:52:39 · answer #4 · answered by Mark 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋