Sometimes the hardest thing about practicing is simply starting. At the end of a long day it is sometimes difficult to find the motivation to practice. On a night when you feel tired and rundown it is difficult to summon the energy and discipline to practice. If you actually make yourself get in there and get to work, though, you will soon find yourself energized and motivated. What better reason to practice could there be?

§ 4 Responses to A Reason to Practice"

• Frank Roberson says:

  April 7, 2006 at 3:55 pm

  Yes, practice is difficult at times, but the payoff is worth it! I find that if I practice daily I play much better and especially in the high register. It is easier to play above the staff and my tone is more full and rich. No “pinched” or “strained” sound. Intervals are smoother and more accurate. Harry James said, “practice makes perfect”. I’m sure that statement was not original.
• Jeremy says:

  April 17, 2006 at 10:37 am

  This is more of a question than a comment..

  I was wondering if you have planned on posting an article about what you do for your skill set, or what you DID for your skill stuff when getting to where you are today. I’m 21 years old and a junior in college and I just recently started to do your stamping it out routines and stuff. What a differece! But I want more! You are full of wisdom and I want to soak whatever it is you can give! Thanks Mr. Morris!
• Matt says:

  April 20, 2006 at 1:05 pm

  Hi there, My 11 year old son Matt, has been playing the trumpet for three years which he loves. Recently we moved to a new area and new teacher and have been told he should give up playing as his ‘embrochure’ is the wrong shape for the higher ranges and he is struggling with the requirement for grade three. I wonder if you have any advice for him as he is devastated and is rapidly losing confidence. Many thanks. Matt & family
• Dick Stacey says:

  April 22, 2006 at 2:55 am

  Matt,

  My advice would be to get a new teacher!

  How can an embrochure be the wrong shape for higher notes – just look at pictures of some of the famous players of the last 100 years who have played in all sorts of weird and wonderful set ups. Surely an embrochure is the shape that the player (via his teacher) sets it at.

  Rafael Mendez springs to mind as an example: after a car accident he changed embrochures totally and I seem to remember that by the end of his career he was able to play from three different places on his lips – all three can’t have been ‘correct’ – not by this teacher’s thoughts, anyway!

  This sounds like a teacher who likes taking the money but is too lazy to do the job.