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Originally Posted by trptboy21  Ok maybe I should clarify a little bit. I'm 21 years old, I've been taking private lessons since the 8th grade. Im currently a trumpet major at a Big XII university where I play principle in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. I'm just constantly struggling with my chops and was wondering if anyone had any advice. Thanks for you help! |
As you are a trumpet major, overload is designed into the program! One thing that I remember from my studies in the early/mid 70s was that I always thought that I had to prove something and played much harder than was necessary. Try cutting EVERYTHING back one unit of volume and focus on elegance. Listen to Manny Laureano at Minnesota or Gil Johnson from the Ormandy Philadelphia recordings to see what I mean (there are many other fine players, I just view these two as exceptionally elegant!).
If you are missing things, two things could be wrong: mechanical or mental. Mechanical can be overwork or just the attempt to overachieve, mental can be something that happened in your life that would limit concentration.
I have had accomplished students that all of a sudden start missing things and that chews away at their self confidence. What worked for them was me sending them to swim laps. They hadn't ever "worked out" before so this was a new experience. The first day they managed 500 meters and were out of breath, the next day 400, the 3rd 700 and by the end of the first week they had 1000. After a month 2000. That increased their self esteem and also the contol of their body. It also took their mind completely off of the trumpet for 45 minutes to an hour. The newly developed power in their body and mind positively influenced their playing (and their social life - new friends that don't care or talk about a double C, chops or pressure).
My advice to you is to do something similar. Get something brand new in your life that is healthy and positive. Set goals (1000 meters, 1500, 2000) and REWARD yourself when you succeed. I don't mean pizza and beer. Do something exceptionally nice. You are in a major school and that means that you have potential. You just need to get out of the rut!