Thursday, July 02, 2015

Daily Slices

What does a pizza have in common with a practice session?  Both should be cut up into many manageable slices, and gorging should be avoided.

Overeating has its uncomfortable results, and so does under eating.  Anticipate the satisfaction of enjoying a well-planned practice session.  Think of a carefully selected daily smorgasbord of trumpet requirements.  Be sure to serve yourself appropriate portions of all ingredients, not just your favorite toppings.

Don't let uneaten slices get moldy either.  Each helping has a shelf life.  Be sure not to waste anything. Here are a few toppings for your daily pizza order:

  • Scales - major and minor
  • Arpeggios - major, minor, augmented and diminished
  • Chromatic scales
  • Flexibility exercises
  • Solos
  • Excerpts
  • Sight reading
  • Multiple tonguing
  • Lyric/expressive melodies (sweet stuff)
  • Technical etudes (fast stuff)
  • Range extension work
  • Very soft playing
  • Very loud playing
  • Transposition
  • Fun play time with no music!


Remember to pause frequently and to eat responsibly!