How To Practice The Trumpet - Basic Lesson - 30 60 90 Minutes

Practicing:

Through years of teaching, Mr. Droste came to the realization that students are trying to bypass Basic Skills to play songs. He wrote this book to teach others how to master all aspects of trumpet technique. With these Basic Skills mastered, one can successfully play all types and styles of music.

The Following passages are taken From The Ultimate Warm-Up for Trumpet by: Michael Droste. This 100 page, 10 chapter book goes through all aspects of Warming Up / Basic Skills. Included are: air exercises, lip buzzing, mouthpiece work, long tones, tonguing, flexibility exercises, scales, range and phrase studies, it's all there, with all of the information sequenced appropriately to optimize your practicing! This 100 page book is printed on 24lb. 25% Cotton Fiber Writing Paper. (archival quality, acid free) The book also contains a complete set of all the articles from TrumpetStudio.com. It is made to last the test of time.
The Ultimate Warm Up: Practice Guide
The first step in determining a practice schedule is to define your goals and level of commitment. The more time you are willing to devote towards improvement, the greater your results.
It is my firm belief that many of us were never taught correctly. We were taught to concentrate on individual pieces of music for concerts, or exercises from band method books, and not on the basic skills that are required to play the trumpet! You must do the work from the following chapters in this specific order to obtain the highest rewards from your practice efforts. Above all, practice as consistently as possible and try to never skip more than one day of practice.

The following is a Practice Schedule for 30, 60 and 90 Minute Sessions
BASIC SKILLS:

PRACTICE SCHEDULE	30 Minutes	60 Minutes	90 Minutes
Part 1. Getting Your Air Moving	1 Minute	2 Minutes	3 Minutes
Part 2. Lip Buzzing	2 Minutes	4 Minutes	6 Minutes
Part 3. Mouthpiece Work	2 Minutes	4 Minutes	6 Minutes
Part 4. Long Tones	2 Minutes	4 Minutes	6 Minutes
Part 5. Tonguing	3 Minutes	6 Minutes	9 Minutes
Part 6. Flexibility	2 Minutes	4 Minutes	6 Minutes
Part 7. Scales	3 Minutes	6 Minutes	9 Minutes
Part 8. Range Study	2 Minutes	4 Minutes	6 Minutes
Part 9. Flow Studies	3 Minutes	6 Minutes	9 Minutes
Part 10. Etudes, Studies, Major Pieces and Trumpet Repertoire	10 Minutes	20 Minutes	30 Minutes

2/3 thirds of your time should be spent working on Basic Skills.
30 minute practice session: 20 minutes on Basic Skills.
60 minute practice session: 40 minutes on Basic Skills.
90 minute practice session: 1 hour on Basic Skills.
The other 1/3 of your time should be used wisely on etudes, studies, major pieces and trumpet repertoire.
The warm up can also be adjusted to meet your various needs. You might have a weak area, and you may wish to increase time in that section. For example, your tone may be somewhat lacking in richness and warmth. As ALL sound is created through vibrations, your first method of attack would be to increase the minutes from the lip buzzing chapter until the desired results were achieved.
Use of a metronome - There are metronome markings on each warm up in this book. Use them! The metronome is an invaluable tool and will help you to improve your internal rhythm. It will also allow you to gauge your progress. In the beginning, some of the long tones may be difficult to perform at 60 beats per minute. As time goes on and you are building endurance, it will be easier. A metronome will provide a consistent point of reference.
The Ultimate Warm Up
Table Of Contents
Part 1. Getting Your Air Moving

Part 2. Lip Buzzing

Part 3. Mouthpiece WorkA. Mid-range to pedal tones buzzing
B. Slow slides from medium to low to medium high
Part 4. Long TonesA. Mid-range to lowest possible notes
B. Mid-range to medium high notes
Part 5. TonguingA. Mid-range to lowest possible notes
B. Mid-range to highest possible notes
Part 6. FlexibilityA. Mid-range to low lip slurs
B. Low to medium high lip slurs extended
Download Chapter 7 for FREE!

Part 7. Scales (All Keys)A. Major Scale (Two octave)
B. Minor Scale (Two octave)
C. Harmonic Minor (Two octave)
D. Melodic Minor (Two octave)
E. Brief Major exercise and one octave review
Part 8. Range Study
Part 9. Flow Studies
Part 10. Addendum
A. ALL articles from TrumpetStudio.com
B. Fingering Chart
The Ultimate Warm Up
How To Use This Warm Up Book
The entire book should be played at each practice session. If time does not permit playing the entire book, then play as much of each section as time permits. Do not skip any sections. You must do the exercises in order from beginning to end. (If the Ultimate Warm Up contains exercises to high for you, skip that section until your able and go to the next exercise.)

Part 1. Getting Your Air Moving
Set your metronome to 60 bpm for these warm-ups. Air is the secret to great tonguing, range and tone production. It is THE most important aspect of playing any wind instrument. Think of your air as a continual stream of water flowing through your kitchen faucet. Always constant never stopping!
Air Tips!
-Low notes require a greater volume of air to produce a great tone. Imagine making an ‘ah’ sound in your mouth and directing the air into a large tube. Always constant never stopping. -High notes require fast air. Imagine saying an ‘e’ sound in your mouth and directing the air super fast into a small straw! Always constant never stopping.

Part 2. Lip Buzzing
Set your metronome to 60 bpm for these warm-ups. For these exercises try to get a nice full, rich sound that is full of tone. What is done here is amplified by the mouthpiece and horn. Do not spend more than 5 minutes on this section. Go for the most beautiful sound that you can create. Listen to yourself, tape record your playing. Is your sound full, rich, warm, musical, and pleasing?

Part 3. Mouthpiece Work
Set your metronome to 60 bpm for these warm-ups. Hold the mouthpiece with the thumb and forefinger at the end of the mouthpiece. This is to keep you from putting pressure on your embouchure. The key is to keep the air constantly flowing. Go for a great sound! Listen to yourself, tape record your playing. Go for a warm, rich sound with a lot of tone. What you produce now is simply amplified by your instrument. If your sound is thin, this is the place to devote more work and energy. Play the exercises in a relaxed fashion, not loud or soft, but with a nice full tone slowly moving higher and lower as directed.

Part 4. Long Tones
Set your metronome to 60 bpm for these warm-ups. Again, the key is to keep the air constant, always flowing. Go for the most beautiful sound that you can create. Listen to yourself, tape record your playing. Is your sound full, rich, warm, musical, and pleasing? You can make beautiful music by simply playing long tones, it is possible!

Part 5. Tonguing
Set your metronome to 80 bpm for these warm-ups. The key is to keep the air constantly flowing. Think of the kitchen faucet analogy again, while the faucet is constantly flowing, imagine flicking a butter knife quickly through the stream of water. The butter knife quickly separates the water and the stream of water continues never stopping. The air flows on, but is lightly separated by the tongue. When playing these warm-ups use different syllables for tonguing. Use as directed: da, dee, do, ta, tee, to. Go for the most beautiful sound that you can create. Listen to your sound, tape record your playing. Is your sound full, rich, warm, musical, and pleasing?

Part 6. Flexibility
Set your metronome between 60 and 80 bpm for these warm-ups. Another key to playing the trumpet is flexibility. The ability to move from 2nd valve F# to 2nd valve B quickly and smoothly is essential. Along with other valve combinations, these simply have to be mastered. The key for successful lip slurs is to keep the air constantly flowing. When doing the extended slurs change the air flow! The low notes require a greater volume of air to produce a great tone. Imagine making an ‘ah’ sound in your mouth and directing the air into a large tube. Always constant never stopping. The high notes require fast air. Imagine saying an ‘e’ sound in your mouth and directing the air super fast into a small straw! Always constant never stopping. Go for the most beautiful sound that you can create. Listen to yourself, tape record your playing. Is your sound full, rich, warm, musical, and pleasing?

Part 7. Scales (All Keys) Download Chapter 7 for FREE!
Set your metronome between 60 and 80 bpm for these scales. The key to this chapter is to be Very Fluid. Keep the air constantly flowing as you pass between the different octaves. The air flows on, but is lightly separated by the tongue. Try sluring each scale, and experiment with different tounguing syllables from the chapter on tonguing. Go for the most beautiful sound that you can create. Listen to your sound, tape record your playing. Is your sound full, rich, warm, musical, and pleasing?

Part 8. Range Study
Set your metronome between 60 and 80 bpm for these warm-ups. I believe that the type of air needed to play lead is most closely related to a High Pressure Air Tank. You must tank up on the air and release the valve, releasing the Super Fast Air Stream. When playing lead one should ride this high pressure air stream and not force the lips. Let the High Pressure Air Tank and the subsequent Super Fast Air Stream do the work, NOT THE LIPS! Go for the most beautiful sound that you can create. Listen to yourself, tape record your playing. Is your sound full, rich, warm, musical, and pleasing?

Part 9. Flow Studies
Set your metronome between 60 and 80 bpm for these warm-ups. These studies are meant to make your playing as musical as possible. Sing the music, yes sing it! Imagine the most beautiful voice singing the passage in your mind. Now go to the music and reproduce exactly what you hear in your mind. Exactly! Think of each line as a separate musical idea. The goal is to think across the bar line to the end of the musical phrase. This is why musicians play and practice! Why play the trumpet if you are not receiving a musical experience? Music is full of feelings and emotions, play all your music this way and you’ll never want to stop. Go for the most beautiful sound that you can create. Listen to yourself, tape record your playing. Is your sound full, rich, warm, musical, and pleasing?

New Music Added to Chapter 9:
Piano And Trumpet
1. Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin - Richard Wagner
2. Rondeau Theme from Masterpiece Theater - Jean Mouret
3. Wedding March - Felix Mendelssohn
4. Trumpet Voluntary - Henry Purcell
5. Trumpet Tune - Henry Purcell
Trumpet Part Only
1. Hunter’s Chorus (duet) - Weber
2. Hungarian Dance No. 5 - Brahms
3. Minuet - Luigi Boccherini
4. Sonata No. 8 in C minor - Beethoven
5. Bach Horn Duet - J.S. Bach
6. Introduction to Third Act form Lohengrin
7. Waltz in Ab - Johannes Brahms
More...

Part 10. Addendum
Complete article reproduction from TrumpetStudio.com Topics include: Skill Building - How To Play High Consistently - Mouthpiece Selection is Critical for Success - Double Tonguing and Single Tonguing - Lip Buzzing - Practicing For A Performance - Finding Time To Practice - Equipment - Synthetic Oil: Use With Caution - Braces - Endurance - Popular Method Books - Recommended Discography - Fingering Chart.

Practicing the trumpet is an important part of developing one's musical abilities and honing one's craft. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, it's essential to put in the time and effort necessary to improve your technique and performance skills. In this article, we'll take a look at some tips and strategies for effective trumpet practice.

1 Start with Warm-Ups
Before jumping into more advanced exercises, it's crucial to warm up your lips, tongue, and muscles. Warming up prepares your body for playing, helps prevent injury, and sets the tone for your practice session. Start with a few lip slurs, followed by buzzing exercises, and then proceed to scales, arpeggios, and other technical exercises.

2 Focus on Correct Technique
Correct technique is essential for making the most of your practice time and avoiding bad habits that can be difficult to break later on. Pay attention to posture, mouth shape, and breath control as you play. Make sure to practice both slow and fast playing, paying close attention to the sound and feel of each note.

3 Set Realistic Goals
Before starting your practice session, set specific goals for what you want to achieve. This could be working on a particular piece of music, improving your tone, or mastering a specific technique. Having a clear objective in mind will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your practice.

4 Incorporate Variety into Your Practice
Playing the same exercises over and over again can become monotonous and limit your progress. Instead, incorporate a variety of exercises, techniques, and styles into your practice routine. Try playing classical music, jazz, and other genres to challenge yourself and expand your musical horizons.

5 Practice with a Metronome
Using a metronome can help you develop accurate rhythm and timing. Start by setting the metronome to a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Focus on keeping your playing in time with the metronome and use it to help you stay in time with the music.

6 Practice Sight-Reading
Sight-reading is the ability to play a piece of music without having seen it before. Practicing sight-reading will improve your musical skills, increase your confidence, and allow you to play new pieces of music more quickly. Start with simple pieces and gradually work your way up to more challenging music.

7 Listen to Yourself and Record Your Progress
Listening to yourself is an important part of the practice process. Pay attention to your tone, intonation, and rhythm and make any necessary adjustments. Recording your playing can also be useful as it allows you to listen back and see how you've improved over time.

8 Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated
It's important to take regular breaks and stay hydrated throughout your practice session. Playing the trumpet can be physically demanding, and taking breaks can help prevent fatigue and injury. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your practice to keep your body hydrated.

9 Practice with Others
Playing with others can be a fun and rewarding experience. Collaborating with other musicians can help you develop your ensemble skills, improve your listening skills, and challenge you to play your best. Try playing with a small group, a trumpet ensemble, or even a full orchestra.

10 Stay Positive and Have Fun
Above all, it's important to stay positive and have fun while practicing the trumpet. Enjoying the process is key to keeping your motivation high and making the most of your practice time. Remember, progress takes time, so don't get discouraged if you don't see results right away.

11 Practice in Different Environments
Practicing in different environments can help you develop your playing skills in a variety of settings. Consider practicing in a quiet room, outdoors, or in a large hall to see how the acoustics affect your sound. This can also help you prepare for performances in different venues.

12 Analyze Your Playing
Analyzing your playing can help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to your technique. Consider recording yourself and analyzing your playing for tone, intonation, and rhythm. You can also ask a teacher or mentor for feedback on your playing.

13 Focus on Breath Control
Breath control is a key element of playing the trumpet. Practice exercises that focus on breathing techniques, such as long tones and breathing exercises, to improve your breath control. This will help you play more smoothly, increase your endurance, and produce a fuller sound.

14 Work on Dynamics and Articulation
Playing with dynamics and articulation can help you bring a piece of music to life. Practice playing softly, loudly, and everything in between, and experiment with different articulation techniques to create a variety of sounds.

15 Practice Consistently
Consistent practice is essential for making progress on the trumpet. Aim to practice for a set amount of time each day or week, and stick to your schedule as much as possible. Even a short practice session each day can be more effective than sporadic long practice sessions.

16 Use Different Mouthpieces and Trumpets
Experimenting with different mouthpieces and trumpets can help you find the right sound for your playing style. Consider trying different mouthpiece sizes, shapes, and materials, and playing on different trumpets to see how they affect your sound.

17 Emphasize Fundamentals
Fundamentals are the building blocks of trumpet playing. Practice exercises that focus on the fundamentals, such as scales, arpeggios, and lip slurs, to improve your technique and build a solid foundation for more advanced playing.

18 Play Along with Recordings
Playing along with recordings can help you develop your listening skills and learn from other musicians. Choose recordings of trumpet players you admire and play along with their solos or parts. This can also help you develop your improvisation skills.

19 Seek Feedback from Others
Seeking feedback from others can provide valuable insights into your playing and help you identify areas for improvement. Consider taking lessons with a teacher or mentor, playing with other musicians, or asking friends and family for feedback on your playing.

20 Learn from Mistakes
Mistakes are a natural part of the practice process. Instead of getting discouraged by mistakes, use them as an opportunity to learn and improve. Take note of what went wrong and make adjustments to your technique or approach.

In conclusion, practicing the trumpet requires dedication, focus, and a willingness to learn and improve. By incorporating these tips and strategies into your practice routine, you can develop your playing skills and become a better musician. Remember to stay positive, have fun, and enjoy the process of improving your trumpet playing.

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