How to GET BACK TO PLAYING THE TRUMPET after 20 or 30 years or more.

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You will learn to relax and have fun in getting back to playing the trumpet again. The fun part is the most important part. YOU CAN DO IT. Where there's a will there's a way. Get out that trumpet. Clean it up and get it in shape. You'll find out that there's nothing like blowing your own horn.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

The will to get back at it.
A trumpet ( that's in good shape )
A place & time to practice
Understanding friends
A mute
Silent Brass (optional) but great if you must practice in an apartment.

Step1

KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT AND TAKE CARE OF IT. GET YOUR TRUMPET IN SHAPE. Make sure everything is working properly. Grease the slides and oil the valves. If it needs repair . . . get it done. MAYBE YOU NEED TO GET A NEW ONE. ( But that's another subject.)

Step2

HAVE FUN SET A TIME AND PLACE TO PRACTICE.( Where you can relax and not be bothered or bother others.) This is important, and remember the aim is to enjoy yourself.

Step3

BLOWING MY OWN HORN Take it slow and easy and be determined to have fun at it. ( as soon as you are not having fun ) . . . STOP FOR AWHILE . . . TAKE A BREAK. Pick out a simple song that you like and learn to play it again. It will come back to you. It will take a little time. When you first start back don't make it a long session.

Tips & Warnings

DO IT YOUR WAY
READ MUSIC or PLAY BY EAR ( your choice )
READING MUSIC IS THE BEST WAY TO GO. ( especially if you are young )
HAVE FUN I love the trumpet. I never learned to read music ( should have ) so I just play by ear. I get the tune, then figure out the fingering and then memorize it. I have an Olds Special, and an Olds Mendez Trumpet. I have pretty well all of Rafael Mendez's trumpet records. He is in my opinion the greatest trumpet player that ever lived. If I had it all to do over again I would go the reading music route. However at my age it's just sounds like too much work.
DON'T OVERLOAD YOURSELF.
STOP WHEN IT'S BECOMING WORK.
TAKE A BREAK AS OFTEN AS YOU WISH.
SLOW AND STEADY WILL WIN THE RACE.
IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE TIME TO GET BACK IN SHAPE.

Comments

momofour said

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on 8/10/2008 I think it's great that you have rekindled your passion for the trumpet. I just wish you would attempt to learn to read music. Don't use your age as an excuse to keep you from doing what you want to do!