katrin4p

Seriously, I don't.

As some of you may or may not know, I'm still learning trumpet, in one of the city bands. SO I'm still not taking my trumpet there because I can't find my MUCH MORE practical sack instead of using that heavy suitcase. SO I have to use one of the band trumpets.

Last Friday I had a lesson with the maestro or, as you may call it, conductor. He said that the trumpet I was using there was not appropriate and wasn't in conditions to be used (so we had to use the soloist trumpet >> Pity, huh? Her fault for not taking it home to practice everyday. Anyway...). So I thought "next Tuesday when I have lesson, will the band teacher make me use that lousy trumpet again?"

Turns out, YES, HE DID. When I asked him about why I couldn't use a better one, he pulls out one of the mouthpieces he keeps just for fun and starts playing. Then he says "see? Enough to you." (Can't he understand that I'm just a newbie though, and he isn't?)

Also, I asked him if he wasn't going to change the valves position (since they were CLOSED and everything) and he said "don't bother, it won't make a difference".

ANYWAY. My point: today in my music lesson with the band teacher I wasn't able to play even a D inside the staff. Just a low A and B and then a C. (So I came home sad and intending to give up the trumpet and go for flute >> Anyway...) But then at home, with my beloved trumpet >> I was able to play the musical scale perfectly.

I mean, I really don't understand. Oh and sorry about the long post. I just felt like I had to explain it all.

Any help as to WHY it happens (you know... the difference?)? Also, is my band teacher having a good procedure about the trumpet and its valves?

Thanks in advance =)

EDIT: Okay, that thing about the valves...? Well, forget it. I mean, this thing of trying to say things in english when I only know them in portuguese is complicated. The "valves" I said are those things you can get out of the trumpet to tune it. You know, you need to oil them...? Hey, look, I just checked a translator and it says VALVES -_- I really don't kow what to think anymore then...

Richard Oliver

Ana, it happens. The very same thing to many but maybe on a different level. Give it time. Keep at it! I'm 2 years into my comeback to the horn, and things are much better, and there is a FAR way yet to go.

Play duets. Make some music with some friends.

Toobz

I think the word your looking for is slide or tuning slide.

rowuk

Ana,
we have all been there, where pressure or an uninspiring attitude takes away the joy of playing or leads to a bad day! In the security of our own home, we can relax and everything is OK again.

As teachers are also human, you need to determine if your trumpet teacher just had a bad day, or if future lessons will remain "non-productive". When you are learning to play, a combination of inspiration AND pressure is what makes you try harder. A teacher that does not apply both (in the proper proportions!), will not get good results.

I suggest you have a meeting with the teacher and your parents to find out what to expect in the future. THAT will determine the need to work harder or find a new teacher.

The VALVES are the 3 buttons that you push down to play different notes. To tune (or clean) the trumpet, you pull on the SLIDES.

If the band horn is SO BAD, you need to solve that problem. If it is just cleaning and oiling, I am sure you can find somebody to help you. I give my students classes in taking the trumpet apart and cleaning it. Maybe you can arrange for the same? If it is just a miserable instrument, you need to find a way to start using your personal one more.

Making music should be FUN.
Good Luck!

Billy B

Use your own trumpet. You will just have to get used to carrying it to your rehearsal. Just be happy you don't play a larger instrument.

Miyot

Yes, I would use your own horn if at all possible. Don't worry about the language, we will figure it out.

brem

If the teacher's an ass, ditch the ass :)