Aspiring Trumpeter

Manny,

I read a lot about playing efficiently on this forum and I think I understand what it means to play efficiently, but for the life of me can't figure out how to accomplish it. I've been told by Dave Cooper that I seem to be taking in enough air but am not using it very efficiently. I haven't been able to see him again so I can't figure out how to get it done. I just seem to have problems getting to the end of musical phrases.
Any help on what I need to do physically to get this done, or however you do it would be great.

Thanks,

Matt

Manny Laureano

Playing efficiently means getting the maximum amount of everything you need with a minimal amount of efort. It doesn't mean collapsing physically or playing lethargically. It means that you have energy and focus but with far less wear and tear than the average player.

A corrupted embouchure cuts down your efficiency because you have to fight it. Shallow breathing cuts down efficiency because you have to muscle notes to get them out. Paying a mouthpiece that's the wrong size cuts down efficiency because you have to fight it to get the sound you wnat.

Everything you do on the horn has to be a complement to what's in your head. If there's nothing in your head, nothing of interest comes out of the bell.

ML

Rimshot

"If there's nothing in your head, nothing of interest comes out of the bell."

An instant classic! The only "swing" thought a musician should ever need. (Substitute the appropriate noun for "bell", and you have universal truth, e.g., "soundboard", "throat", "stick", "F-hole", ...)

rowuk

If you need help with the "mechanics" of playing, generally only a good or great teacher can help.
Practice softly (let's define this as a volume where clarinet players or violinists would not complain.........) and try to get as pure of a tone as possible.
I find that when my students practice (mostly)loud, their efficiency goes down. This has several reasons: less control over the embouchure, improper use of air, too much forcing(lip damage). Our perception of our own sound gets distorted because most of us practice in small rooms that "overload" when it gets loud. Getting the mix right is the job of a teacher. You can build strength without blowing walls down.

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

trpt2345

And where would THAT be?

Michael McLaughlin

Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.
Mark Twain

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Chicago MM

tpter1

[quote=trpt2345;268131]And where would THAT be?



I found that quite funny for SOME reason...

Try, also, some yoga. It really helped me develop a more relaxed posture and reduced strain.

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-Glenn
"Roses have thorns; shining waters mud. Clouds and eclipses stain the moon and the sun; and history reeks of the wrongs we have done. After today, after today, consider me gone."- Sting