[TPIN] Suggestons for high school trumpet players

[Dave Lee]

I see (as a private teacher) this come up a lot....i think, for the most
part many students (especially middle school and up to 11th grade or so)
make decisions to buy "professional" horns for these reasons:

1) "the good players use pro horns"
2) parents want their children to be/have "the best"
3) the looks of pro horns (many in silver...many student models in lacquer)
are appealing
4) band directors sometimes push this transition

Honestly, there are times when the psychology of having a "pro" horn is
motivational, thus a good move....this is usually the best benefit, if there
is one....only, rarely does it seem that the pro horn actually is warranted
by the level of musicianship acquired by these students

So, do I recommend to parents this purchase when they ask for my opinion? I
tell them that when I switched from a lacquered cornet to a silver trumpet
in 10th grade, it motivated me to a whole new level, and that is a good
thing to consider, but that the student models usually are quite adequate as
far as what they allow the student to continue achieving.

I also recommend a good used horn if budget is an issue.

So, there is no "proper" time to make this consideration, except to weigh
the student's progress, musically (some are really ready for that next
level.....a good test would be to let the student play "blindfolded" student
horns and pro-horns and see how much of a difference they can
detect...except for the ease of use of the 3rd valve slide...and I really
don't understand why so many student horns have to be so bad in this
area...there are few if any differences most students can tell until they
reach the necessary level for switching....my .02...(.03 with inflation)

Dave Lee   austin, tx


>  When is the 
> best time to buy a better trumpet? If they want to take lessons I usually
> don't make an issue of their horn unless I can see that it's holding them
> back.