Alex Yates

2 hours MINIMUM to "maintain" when life and work is crazy. The norm - 4-5 practice hours per day when not playing gigs (split into sessions) - 3 hours or so when I am. There is also playing in rehearsals and teaching. Also, factor in the challenge of fitting in high level, focused practicing in between LIFE commitments as well. The older we get, the more responsibilities arise in our personal lives aside from work and practicing time has to be strictly carved out. Easier said than done.

And as far as having fun while playing and enjoying it more (and therefore play longer every day??? - Sorry PH, I don't really understand that reasoning) - that is not something jazz players own solely. Our worlds may seem foreign to each other (classical and jazz), but there is obviously great joy in both styles or so many of us wouldn't work so hard to maintain our chops to play the stuff. Classical players have their share of studies that are not only trumpet related as well. No, we don't shed on the same musical things jazz players do, but we do shed musically and it guides our practicing at times. Both camps have to work the same amount of 'hard' to maintain their particular skill set at a high level and we do it because we find joy in our work and strive to constantly improve. Joe Jazzer might need need only 2 hours to achieve what it takes Jimmy Jazzer 3 hours to achieve or Carlton Classical 1.5 hours to achieve. It is all relative to the individual and their desired goals on the instrument.