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Forum - Trumpet Talk - Self-taught Trumpet

Author Message
Crabby
User
Posted: 2006-06-12 15:15 CET
Hey,

Now I realise it's not the smartest thing to do, to learn trumpet without lessons but the fact is, that I'm doing it, because I love the trumpet and it's very awkward to get lessons where I'm located. (Please, don't give me advice on getting lessons or that I shouldn't do it without lessons).

I want advice on what would be possibly the best way to do this. Without trying to be big headed, I'm usually very apt at picking things up and have no problem with good hard practice. I've played a few instruments before to a degree but chose to learn one (the saxophone) on the wrong basis (I thought it looked nice, when I was about 9) and am continuing the other (guitar) as a subordinate instrument.

Money really isn't that much of a limitation. I'm willing to do whatever to get the best feasible way to learn the trumpet - and of course this may mean at one point travelling far to get lessons but really, I want to know about self-teaching, at the moment.

What are your suggestions?

(Looking for suggestions from serious trumpeters)
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belowaverageska
User
Posted: 2006-06-12 16:53 CET
i learnt to play trumpet in my bedroom 3 years ago, buy a keyboard and learn how to transpose notes thats what i did really and friends who played instruments helped to and i played in a band and blah blah blah, just buy a trumpet and do it i guess
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ollie
User
Posted: 2006-06-12 17:18 CET
im pretty much the same as you Crabby. Ive managed to teach myself trumpet without lessons an i dont do too bad
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Crabby
User
Posted: 2006-06-12 23:26 CET
Have you guys ever talked with a professionally taught trumpet player or trumpet tutor?

I wouldn't be surprised if there's something you're doing wrong. I'm just trying to find the best way to get these things right without having access to a tutor.
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Asian Man
User
Posted: 2006-06-14 03:03 CET
Crabby, that is correct that the other self taught players are doing some things wrong, major or just minor problems. I was self taught until two years ago and i almost quit when relearning all over again with a teacher because it was stressful. Get a teacher ASAP.
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Crabby
User
Posted: 2006-06-15 23:53 CET
Once again I don't want to be told I need a teacher as that is not possible currently.

What were the bad habits you'd got into, exactly?
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Drewdude403
User
Posted: 2006-06-17 22:08 CET
Usually the biggest bad habit I see is manipulating your muscles to achieve a higher range.
DO NOT use a ton of pressure. Just use a ton of fast air to reach the higher notes of your range.


Buy an ARBANS book. It is commonly reffered to as "the trumpet player's Bible." Practice out of there for a while, and you should be getting better in no time.
also visit www.trumpetherald.com thats a good forum site.
Hope I helped
Drew
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platinumtrumpet
User
Posted: 2006-06-20 03:31 CET
yeah get the arbans book, you need to have a good A above the staff cuz 95% of the excercises go up to it. It is the trumpet players bible. Also get the Bill Pfunds intermediate trumpet method bood. Good stuff there. Yup im a god
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Crabby
User
Posted: 2006-06-21 21:17 CET
Which arban book is this?

Using ebay (UK) I can find one with an old-style cover:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Arban-Cornet-Method_W0QQitemZ7405361656QQihZ016QQcategoryZ72443QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
..and a new-er style cover:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Arbans-Complete-Conservatory-Method-For-Trumpet_W0QQitemZ7417968468QQihZ016QQcategoryZ43391QQssPageNameZWD2VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Drewdude403
User
Posted: 2006-06-21 22:11 CET
I have the one with the newer style cover, its what my teacher gave me. but i guess both are the same. pick one up!
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Asian Man
User
Posted: 2006-06-24 04:21 CET
crabby, some of the bad habits i learned was use pressure to go up high instead of the air+lips doing it. Another no no is letting the tongue end the note. Hell my tone, flexibility, endurance, and well everything was crap.
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skanksta'
User
Posted: 2006-07-13 05:24 CET
I agree. If you don't want a teacher get a good book. I have been playing for about 5 1/2 years and never had a lesson in my life. But one day i found some of my dad's old methods books lying around and i started looking at them and they really do help out. Just start at the beginning of it and work your way through.
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