Tag: Trumpet Warmup

Mental Practice Preparation
Advice · Education

Mental Practice Preparation

Leslie SaidakLeave a comment

“Mental practice preparation” – Getting ourselves in the right frame of mind, and then planning and executing our practice goals – an article by Sam Neufeld of ‘Trumpet Warmup’.

2020 was difficult at times to stay motivated to practice. Gigs dried up and so did motivation to keep our chops together. Luckily there are some things we can do to get back on track.

Here are three strategies I am using in 2021 that you can use too:

  1. Set the bar low
  2. Remove distraction
  3. Track progress

Overall the name of the game is to develop consistency.

Let’s break it down…

  1. Setting the bar low for practice time.

A couple weeks ago, my friend mentioned he was going to start working out everyday. Last year he worked out only a handful of times and wanted to change that. I asked him, “how certain are you that you can workout seven days a week? Are you 100% certain that you won’t miss a single day?”

Well, of course the answer was no. He could not say with complete confidence that he’d not miss a single day especially since his previous track record was so different.

I said to him “Instead of attempting to workout everyday, start with something you know you’ll complete with 100% certainty.” 

Set the bar SO LOW that you cannot fail. This is a strategy that’s worked wonders for me in the past and I am using it this year to start practicing consistently again and improve my trumpet playing. I missed somewhere between 30-60 days last year and because of it my playing suffered. In order to get back on track, I’ve set the bar low by pledging to practice everyday for at least 5 minutes. There will be days that I practice 2+ hours, but 5 minutes minimum per day gets me back on track towards forming the daily habit of practicing.

  1. Remove distraction from the practice space.

Where do you practice currently? During Covid-19 times, it’s likely a bedroom or office space. If you’re lucky – an isolated practice space or garage. But, you don’t need a separate/isolated room. What may help you most is a dedicated practice space. Somewhere you have everything needed to complete a successful practice session.

In this space you need:

  • Mirror
  • Tuner
  • Trumpet stand
  • Music stand
  • Chair
  • Water bottle

Optional:

  • Computer or tv
  • Camera
  • Microphone
  • Mutes
  • Coffee
  • Other trumpet gadgets

I treat this like going to the gym. What do you bring with you before leaving for the gym? Water bottle, change of clothes, shampoo, etc… Treat practicing the same way this year. Don’t let the fact that you’re stuck in your apartment next to your tv distract you. Remove the distractions physically if possible, but more importantly – mentally.

  1. Record video and audio to track progress.

Accountability is a great motivator for staying true to your goal. If you have a private teacher, this is one form of accountability. Your teacher adds pressure to practice each week that wouldn’t otherwise be there.

Here’s another form of accountability that you may not already be utilizing: Instagram.

Create an account dedicated to practicing. Post your videos even if they suck. Get over the fear of “what will so-and-so think”. This is about improving over time, not sounding good every single day. You don’t have to like other people’s posts or comment fire emojis if you don’t want to. Although I suspect over time you will end up finding a friendly community of like-minded trumpet players that you enjoy engaging with.

By posting to Instagram, you will have accountability and a practice log. Months or years later you can analyze your past videos to see if you’ve actually improved or not! 

So this is my strategy for 2021. It’s time to get back on track. 

Follow me – @samneufeldtrumpet on Instagram

Follow – @trumpetwarmup on Instagram

Thoughts or questions? Email me at [email protected]. I love to chat 🙂

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Trumpet Warmup
Advice · Education · Interview

Trumpet Warmup

Leslie SaidakLeave a comment

Trumpet Warmup is a great new online portal for trumpet players, allowing you to customise your routine with the aid of resources from top artists and educators. Sam Neufeld, the website’s founder, speaks to me here about his exciting new venture.

Can you give a little background to your relationship with the trumpet?

At six years old, I heard my dad playing Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, and Lee Morgan frequently on his stereo. There was something about the trumpet that enthralled me at a young age. I wanted to do what they were doing.

Throughout middle school and high school, I took quickly to improvisation and jazz. My trumpet technique, however, held me back. Endurance and range were my biggest issues and at 16 years old my new teacher persuaded me to change my embouchure.

The whole process left me with a bad case of “paralysis through analysis” for years to follow.

Not until recently did I realize how consistent I need to be with my warmup and daily routine.

In my mind, trumpet technique is analogous to strength training. One month of deadlifting and squats everyday will set you on the right track, but you have to keep it up consistently for months and years to see noticeable results. Similarly, the trumpet takes lots of focus and deliberate practice over many years to develop proper technique and strength. That’s what I’m focusing on now. I’m excited for the day I am able to play a 3 hour gig and feel strong or stronger at the end of the night.

What prompted you to setup Trumpet Warmup?

To put it simply I wanted it for my own practising. I was unable to find something that would suit my needs. I wanted a video play-along routine that would allow me to practice back and forth a pro. I also wanted to have the ability to switch between different artists’ routines.

Over the past 5 years, I’ve worked freelance in videography, photography, and website design. I knew that I had the skills to make it happen with little up-front cost – so why not give it a shot and scratch my own itch?

Who is it aimed at?

Trumpet Warmup is aimed at the intermediate trumpet player. A high school student or an amateur will benefit most from Trumpet Warmup.

There will be some value for the pro or the beginner, but it’s aimed at the intermediate player for now.

What are the key elements that set it apart from other platforms?

The video (quality and presentation) sets it apart. I’ve spent a lot of time crafting a look that will engage the user and allow them to see the artist’s embouchure and posture. It’s meant to feel like you are practicing with the pro.

What new developments are you currently working on?

Content, content, content. I started Trumpet Warmup a few weeks before COVID-19 lockdowns began, which threw things off track. I’m back on track now and working hard to crank out the content so there is something for every user.

How can readers find out more?

If you’ve made it this far, I just have one ask. Please sign up for the newsletter by visiting www.trumpetwarmup.com. It’ll take a few seconds and would mean a lot to me. If you have any comments, questions, or feedback – please send me an email to [email protected]

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