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Have you ever wanted to get better fast? Many people ask me how to play higher or get a good grade in exams? Well here is the secret... There is no secret!!! It's just a matter of time spent practicing intelligently. So many of my students over the years have come in with aspirations of playing difficult solos. Usually they have heard a recording and want to be able to sound "just like that". As a teacher, you love when this happens!! However, most students simply don't know how to practise efficiently.
Here are a few tips to get you playing a brass instrument better:
1 - Breathing
2 - Daily Routine
3 - Realistic Goals
First, breathing. As a brass player we "move AIR for a living". 95% of work done while playing, should be done by the air we move through the instrument. There are a few ways to get better at this. Look up The Breathing Gym by Sam Pilafian and Pat Sheridan. They are some of the best teachers in the world and have easy ways to make you a better breather. You can find them on YouTube as well as on their respective websites. I suggest buying any of their books, you won't regret it!
Second, a daily routine. This is what makes you a reliable player. It should consist of: long tones, flexibility, tonguing, scales etc... A good daily routine focuses on the fundamental aspects of brass playing. It is where you work on your weaknesses as well as refine your strengths. Books like The Arban Method, Brass Gym, Brass Manual, Lafosse, and many many more are great. Find one that works for you and stick with it. You will only see results if you try it everyday for at least a week. Don't get discouraged in the first few days. Endure and you'll see results!!!
Lastly, realistic goals. It is important to set goals for yourself. It is even more important that these goals are realistic! It doesn't matter if you want to learn the worlds hardest concerto, or a simple melody. Break it down into small, manageable pieces and work slowly for perfection. Don't accept anything less that doing it right. If you can't play it right, slow it down until you can. The most important part of goal setting is rewarding yourself! It's different for everyone. The bigger the goal, the bigger the reward should be. Remember, music should always be EASY and FUN!
There you have it. Breathe, do your daily routine, and set goals. This will help you get better in a hurry.
