Trumpet & The Tired Chops Syndrome

As a professional trumpeter, I often run in to times that I play for extended periods of time, have strenuous shows, or just push too hard. Recovering from this is more than just not playing, or taking time off. For me in particular, if I take time off after a strenuous day, I come back struggling even more.

After a hard day, I really can't say I warm down at all. I will free buzz a bit depending on how tired I am, but that is about the extent of a warm down. The next day, I extend my warm up (see Trumpet, Trumpeter, & Warm Up Woes) by playing very softly for extended periods of time... if I am still feeling a bit spent, I will usually limit my playing sessions to a few minutes and will not play anything above a High C.

What I've found through the years, is that it takes time to let the lips heal. I saw times with Maynard Ferguson where he would be extremely beat up from a long run of performances. He too would extend his warm ups, but also could take time away and come back strong.

What tends to happen to our lips is exactly what happens to a tired runner, exhausted athlete, etc. Our muscles need time to rebuild... if done properly, we can bounce back stronger... if we ignore the tired feeling or soreness, we can actually do more damage by staying in a tired or "torn down" state.

If you find yourself in a situation where your chops just don't respond, and you've played hard the previous day, give your muscles the day to be relaxed by playing softly in short practice segments.

For more information that can help you in your quest as a trumpeter, please visit Brass Player Solution!

Keith Fiala

Secrets of the High Note Trumpet Range

Are you a Trumpet player that has been captivated by the energy and power of the high note range? Do you remember the first time ever hearing Maynard Ferguson, Cat Anderson, Bill Chase, and the many more that have created the mystique and desire to play in that range? Can you also recall the nearly immense feeling of confusion after attempting to play in that range for the first time? Not only does the high note range on the trumpet create energy, but it demands it from the player! Focused energy from what feels like every molecule in your being!

As a trumpet player, you've probably heard comments like:
"That trumpet player has got really strong chops to be able to play high notes like that", or "keep your throat open!" Statements like this can add to the mass confusion of how to achieve the high note range as well as a warm sound, hours of endurance, and efficient use of the energy that you put out.

To help lessen the confusion and answer those compiling questions of "how", I've written about my experiences... from my total confusion throughout high school and in to college, as well as my quitting for 2 years (because of the feeling of absolute defeat) to my come back and touring with the legendary Maynard Ferguson in 2004. I share with you what worked for me as well as what did not. I feel that it was just as important to know what I was doing wrong and why it was hindering me back as what I was doing right and why it was working.

My book is a download format available at www.brassplayersolution.com... once you go through the Pay Pal process, you will receive an email with download instructions. It does not stop there - I also include 2 video's that help further clarify what I'm talking about in the book. I learn more by example... so I pass this on to my readers.

Ask yourself these 3 questions:

Why am I not improving?

What areas of my playing do I fear the most?

Am I about to give up because I feel like I just can’t do it?

Now be honest with yourself and answer these 3 questions:

1) Am I practicing the right material in the right manner? Taking mental breaks as well as physical… or are you focusing on what you practice mentally?
2) What caused me to fear aspects of my playing? Because they were difficult at first?
3) Am I about to give up because of a lack of support? OR interest because I am not finding instant gratification?

Are you ready for a change??

If so, click HELP ME now!!