[TPIN] Transposing help wanted

[David Arndt]

>>Sure, but how do you learn to, "play everything up a major third" ? This
is where the hard part (and all the practice) comes with me........

If it's in the key of C, think up a major third - key of E, and just do it -
while watching the notes that are on the page in the key of C.   If it's in
the key of E, then think Ab... (a bit tougher) and just do it.  Etc...

Make sure you keep your eyes glued on the original keyed part while playing.
Don't just play by ear (different skill).  If you do this everyday, after a
while the transposition skill will develop.  

You can't avoid the hard work.  In the beginning, it will feel like it's a
painful note by note process ("Let's see... this is an F# and I need to be
up a third... Ok, A#) .  Gradually, you'll learn to think in terms of "just
play the whole thing up a third".

Just practice it everyday and it will come.  

- da

PS:
In reality, for orchestral playing, the most important transpositions are 1)
Down a step 2) Up a step 3) Up a third and 4) Up a fourth.  This equates to
Trumpet in Bb, Trumpet in D, Trumpet in E and Trumpet in F, when playing a C
Trumpet (which is what most cats use in orchestral settings).  So the skill
tends to be limited to a few important transpositions, in reality.  Doesn't
mean you won't be faced with weird situations like a tri-tone:  For example:
Trumpet in E,... and "oh crap, I only brought my Bb Trumpet"... 

<g>