[TPIN] "efficient playing"

[Benjamin Rydell]

Frank and Others,



 

Frank brought up an interesting topic for discussion.  Musicians who consider themselves as highly efficient trumpet players are those who have found the most optimized set-up, one that works well, allowing a desired level of minimal effort while playing.  Playing with minimal effort is always a good thing since it allows our creative side to open up easier.  A Clarke study is more fun while driving down a smooth vs. bumpy road, for example.



There are lots of options with setup.  In our present age, one can have a mouthpiece manipulated in an infinite variety of ways.  Trumpets are also customized to player's preferences left and right.



Putting in a full day's work only to address your trumpet while at home is not an easy task.  I'm assuming the factory at your work doesn't have a separate space where you can blow your trumpet.  Try for at least an hour before and after work.  Another option is to practice on your trumpet during breaks (lunch break) while inside your vehicle.  I know of cab drivers who have practiced while even driving (although not recommended while driving).  The point is to find some regularity first, then address issues in your playing.  After this regularity starts to happen you can try out some other things which might help to optimize your set-up.  Find the separate times (uninterrupted) during each day to work on anything from your favorite melodies to your favorite scales or exercises.



What do the others think about this?



 





Ben Rydell





"Trumpet playing doesn't need to sound difficult.  It just needs to sound fun"







 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: tpin-bounces+benny=benrydell.com at tpin.okcu.edu [mailto:tpin-bounces+benny=benrydell.com at tpin.okcu.edu] On Behalf Of Frank Smith

Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2007 7:18 PM

To: tpin at tpin.okcu.edu

Subject: [TPIN] "efficient playing"

 

As a comeback player, I'm trying to get serious as I want to get back to playing with other people instead of just sitting at home making noise. 

I hear the phrase "efficient playing". 

What does that mean? 

Is it a pedagogy that can be taught/learned?

Are there specific books?

I really want to get past the "just stick the small end in your mouth and blow" phase.

I'm not looking for a quick fix. But as a 50-ish full-time factory worker, the amount of time I have each day for practice is less than a 20 year old college student would have.

Any help will be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you.

Frank Smith

 

 

"I refuse to tip-toe safely through life only to arrive safely at death's door."

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