So the school year has begun! Where has the time gone! I haven't posted in quite some time which means, for me, I was very busy performing and teaching. Unfortunately for my blog, it hasn't been good. So it's time to offer some incentive for upcoming lesson time.
This is the question I hear more than any (well really kind of like a landslide): Why is the trumpet so hard to play?
The answer, of course, is complicated. Mainly, because once you understand how the subconscious works to oppose everything you do, trumpet playing is reduced to just a few simple processes. Now, the processes I speak of are simple yet hard to implement consistently. At this point I may need to mention that you should fight that instinctive urge to throw your trumpet up against the wall!! Remember...part of the process is fighting those subconscious instincts:-)
So to answer the question as simply as possible. Playing the trumpet may appear difficult in the beginning for a couple of reasons. First, you have to learn where to place your tongue and how to move air properly as soon as possible before habits can get out of control. Second, neither of these processes come naturally. We have to learn to place the tongue in a position that is not natural for everyday life and we have to control air movement in a very fast way that we never use in everyday life. And last, and most important, all of our instincts tell us to do many things opposite to what works on the trumpet. So..my job is to train your brain to think differently while you play the trumpet. Once this is accomplished nothing holds you back from success!
Now is the time to get those lessons going with me if you live in the area. I am not teaching via skype or other on-line ways yet. I'm working on changing that with a bit of trepidation. My style of teaching has to be adapted a bit to make ME feel more comfortable doing this medium. I'm very much into the personal connection I get with my students feeding of my energy and I'm not sure how that will work on-line. I will post here when I have made the leap for those of you who may be interested in studying with me, but are no where near my location.
This is the question I hear more than any (well really kind of like a landslide): Why is the trumpet so hard to play?
The answer, of course, is complicated. Mainly, because once you understand how the subconscious works to oppose everything you do, trumpet playing is reduced to just a few simple processes. Now, the processes I speak of are simple yet hard to implement consistently. At this point I may need to mention that you should fight that instinctive urge to throw your trumpet up against the wall!! Remember...part of the process is fighting those subconscious instincts:-)
So to answer the question as simply as possible. Playing the trumpet may appear difficult in the beginning for a couple of reasons. First, you have to learn where to place your tongue and how to move air properly as soon as possible before habits can get out of control. Second, neither of these processes come naturally. We have to learn to place the tongue in a position that is not natural for everyday life and we have to control air movement in a very fast way that we never use in everyday life. And last, and most important, all of our instincts tell us to do many things opposite to what works on the trumpet. So..my job is to train your brain to think differently while you play the trumpet. Once this is accomplished nothing holds you back from success!
Now is the time to get those lessons going with me if you live in the area. I am not teaching via skype or other on-line ways yet. I'm working on changing that with a bit of trepidation. My style of teaching has to be adapted a bit to make ME feel more comfortable doing this medium. I'm very much into the personal connection I get with my students feeding of my energy and I'm not sure how that will work on-line. I will post here when I have made the leap for those of you who may be interested in studying with me, but are no where near my location.
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