| Hi Eric,
I have a mentor in his late 80s. He used to play 1st trumpet in Leipzig up until 1956, the he got a job as 1st at the opera in Wiesbaden, Germany. he retired in the 80s.
I go to him as often as my schedule allows (4-5 times a year for a day or a whole evening). We work on the solo pieces that I have to prepare. Rhythmn, expression, a little bit of dynamics. It is amazing how humbling a lesson can be........... even after a great deal of preparation.
It is as much of a social event as it is a lesson. These people are just fun to be with! I drive about 70 miles to visit him and his charming wife. When I am there, I fix his computer and stereo. A great exchange!
For a check-up, you don't even need a trumpet player. A good singer can also give you valuable input - maybe just not in trumpet terms.
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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again. |