Starting Off Right

Warmup properly before each session. This may seem obvious, but many players do not have a set, systematic warm up they can rely on. Each player is different and with experience they will develop a warmup to suit themselves. Some players may alter their routine slightly to prepare them for the type of playing they are about to undertake, (say for example playing lead trumpet as opposed to jazz trumpet). A warmup based on a note the player can play most relaxed and easily is a good way to go. The idea is to start in an easy relaxed range, and build a series of exercises that go low and high in either direction from the starting note.

I often hear players start right out playing lip slurs. I used to do this myself. I would suggest playing lip slurs, if used in the warmup at all, be used at the end of your warmup and then only sparingly. I find that lip slurs are fatiguing if overplayed on "cold" lips. I also find that launching into a series of lip slurs while I'm still cold will cause me to feel like my sound is never really "focused". Lip slurs are definitely necessary to develop accuracy and a fluid execution, but more as part of your practice regimen than as a warmup. Something you might want to try is to warmup just as much as you need to, and even slightly under warmup. Try not to use it all up front!

At the end of the "technical" part of the warm up I like to end by playing some music: something smooth and lyrical like "Stardust". This gets me into a more musical, less analytical frame of mind.

In summary then, the warmup should accomplish the following goals efficiently:

• Get the lips working and vibrating properly without fatiguing them.

• Get the air moving.

• Help the player focus their sound.

• Help the player to loosen up the fingers and get relaxed.

• Prepare the mind to focus on the task of making music.

OK. Sounds good, but how do you do all that? Click here for an example of an abbreviated warm up I use that takes about 5 minutes or so and seems to get me "centred" and ready to go. There are also a few ideas for a warmup more suited to beginning students here. Your mileage may vary.

Regards,

Terry