Jeff Carver Music

Hi Everyone...

Thanks for reading my website and also some of my philosophies. Actually, these "philosophies" were not developed or created by me at all. Rather, they are an assemblage of thoughts and ideas I have picked up over the years from excellent teachers and outstanding performers.

These are a few ideas that work for me and/or most of my students. There are many ways to play trumpet or any other brass instrument. However, these are thoughts I believe in the most and its the best way for you to understand how I might teach your child, or you, on trumpet.

1. The left hand holds the trumpet and the right hand plays it.

2.  To play trumpet, you take your breath low...pretend your belly button is your mouth and inhale through that.

3. You have to set the air before you play any notes...not just high notes. Watch a Maynard or Doc video on YouTube. There is the breath, the air setting, and then the note! Watch a lot of trumpet players on YouTube!

4. If you listen to trumpet players with good tone, you will gradually play with good tone. You must have the concept clearly in your head. Fill your ipod with trumpet music!

5. Faster air means higher notes, more air increases volume.

6.  If your tone seems thin, open up your chops.Don't forget to open up your teeth as well. Have a feeling in your throat similar to yawning.

7. Strike your valves down, even if you are playing slow.

8. When tonguing, keep your tongue as far forward as possible.

9. Practice time...Minimum for students; 5 days per week/ 30 minutes per session. Suggested minimum for serious students; Everyday, 60+ minutes per day.Make practicing daily a routine, not an option.

10. Become obsessed with trumpet. Improve on something everyday.

11. Play in as many groups as you can and never turn down an opportunity to solo!

12. Think as upper notes being further away, not higher.

13. Hear live trumpet players all the time. See how they look when they play...listen AND watch!

14.  Find a daily routine or method do it.

15. Take weekly private lessons from a qualified teacher.

16. Practice trumpet, not video games!

17. Put a couple drops of valve oil on  your valves every day you play your trumpet.

18. Clean your trumpet monthly, and your mouthpiece at least weekly.

19. Warm-up everyday..include lip flapping, lip buzzing, and mouthpiece buzzing, before playing the trumpet. The Bud Brisbois warm-up is a good one!

20.  Everyday: Warmup...then work on technique, flexibilities, range, endurance, scales, sight reading, tone.

21. Four 15-minute practice sessions are better for you than 1 straight hour of practicing!

 And always make sure you are having fun!!!  

Best of luck,

Jeff