The More Things Change…

…the more they stay the same.

I am feeling better about my trombone playing right now than I have in several years. New surroundings, new expectations and other factors are impacting this, but I wanted to clue you in to the specific things that seem to be helping.

1. Fundamentals are STILL key. This might be too bold of a statement, but I think I can figure out most anything that’s going on with my playing if I have an Arban, Bordogni, Schlossberg and Vernon books. Honorable mention goes to David Vining’s Rangesongs and Brad Edwards’ various lip slur books.

2. Don’t be pressured to play equipment that doesn’t work for you. Play equipment that works well for you. I recently switched back to a Greg Black mouthpiece after nearly a decade on another brand, and THIS feels like home. Conversely, you need to play equipment long enough to have a solid opinion on it.

3. Record yourself regularly. Like it or not, the recording gives you an accurate portrayal of how you actually sound. Try it for a week! Focus on fixing the issues you hear, and your comfort level will improve quickly.

The longer I do this, the more I realize that playing well is a pretty straightforward process that is most often complicated by my own thoughts and insecurities. Just some thoughts to consider!