You don’t always have to be practicing to always be practicing (know what I mean?)

Yeah, that’s what I said, “You don’t always have to be practicing in order to become a better trumpet player, performer, and musician.” By the way, if you are not interested in becoming any of those three things, I think you may be on the wrong website!

Anyways, we all know how important it is to lock ourselves in a room to knock out some serious practicing.

This is what we often call woodshed-ing and it’s great tool for becoming a better technician on any instrument. The problem is there are times when we can’t be in the practice room physically, so I’m proposing that we should still take advantage of music’s influence over our heart and soul outside of the practice room, knowing that it can transform our playing significantly.

If you have dedicated yourself to learning the trumpet and becoming a competent player, you’ve got to do lots of listening. The best thing about listening is that you can do it almost anywhere!

You don’t always have to be practicing in order to become a better trumpet player, performer, and musician.

Scott Webber

If you’re waiting for the bus, walking to work, or taking a long plane ride, then you can immerse yourself in music culture. Make sure that you have acquired a proper listening library. iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play Music are all great choices if you are considering a streaming music service.

I also spend time watching/listening to vintage performances that have been posted to YouTube. Below are a few that I’ve watched, analyzed, or transcribed recently. I love each one for the unique perspective each presents musically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Cantaloupe Island

I’ve often heard the studio version of this arrangement featuring Mr. Hubbard but this live performance is even more ear bending, please enjoy!

C Blues

Cat Anderson’s trumpet solo in this video is a fantastic howling story, told effortlessly by a masterful artist.

Chet Baker

I can never get enough of the sensitivity and lyrical approach that Chet Baker always revealed as a vocalist and brass player. He avoided playing high, fast, or loud; instead focusing on timber, timing, and subtleties that are often underappreciated

Conclusion

You can become a better trumpet player by defining your musical taste through critical assimilation of music performances and recordings. Make it your goal to listen to the music that inspires your playing because you can continue to do this at times when you might not be able to have the horn on your face. This type of dedicated listening is a form of practicing that is often overlooked. Start doing more listening today!

Leave a comment below and tell us all what trumpet music that you’ve been listening to lately, I’d love to hear from you!