Quote:
|
Originally Posted by butxifxnot (Since I read the thread started by Mr. Wise about how many blasted mutes he has, I figure I'd ask him.)
I have a practice mute, and I used it quite a lot. A former director told me that the added pressure is good for younger players because it "makes you blow". Well, an interesting thing: certain aspects of my playing seems to be better with the added pressure of the mute now. IE range is more flexable, I can actually hit a pedal C without cheating (bending the G down...) While I'm sure the mute has helped me by getting me to use air, I'm kind of unnerved that some of my playing sounds better with that mute...
Can I transfer that effect of the added pressure (or fool my mind into imagining it) to my playing without the mute (or without the pressure, whichever's better)?
BTW, when I say pressure, you do know that I mean "back-pressure" and not lip pressure.  |
Hmmmmmm........I never would encourage a young player to use a practice mute for anything other than an occasional practice session, certainly not every day use. I am really old school, not one of my teachers even mentioned pedals and I have never used them. I believe in playing pianissimo open. A player will get a greater sense of control of air and chops when playing the trumpet unmuted. Take the Arban Studies on slurring starting on page 39 and play these open and quietly. Concentrate on feeling the interaction of the inhale, attack/release of air. Work on getting that feeling of absolute ease in producing your sound. The Arban studies are the first step.
Wilmer