Now here is the golden opportunity to see what we're made of. Odds are we will have to face the Giant of Discouragement at the worst possible moment. So what is a fine trumpet player to do to prepare for a gig in the city of Doldrums?
Even the best players have had to learn to deal with a lack of motivation, discouragement, and whatever similar obstacles to great music-making confront them. We'd likely be shocked to learn how often they must put aside obstructions and simply get the job done anyway. Think about it. What do emotions have to do with fingers, lips, and breathing? They should be in training to function rain or shine.
A couple of suggestions for a way out, should you get stranded in the City of Doldrums:
- Motivation Class 101. Return to your top ten trumpet works, orchestral, solo, quintet, etc. Immerse yourself with your favorite music. Pour some classy classics onto those dry uninspired bones. Music should enliven your spirit. It's probably been starved for greatness. Listening primarily to yourself is usually good reason to become discouraged. You need refreshment from outside sources. Rekindle your musical instincts not by grinding out more scales and etudes, but by careful listening to your heroes.
- Flugelhorn Therapy Class 101. When all else fails, (or before it fails), pick up the flugel. Close the study books and just play. Turn down the lights. Look outside. Improvise some heart-felt music. It must exist inside you somewhere! Summon it to the surface. What a shame that passionate music is ever allowed to lie dormant. There is something about a flugelhorn that is therapeutic for tired minds and chops. Forget the thinking mind. Feed the thirsty soul.
- Pianissimo Class 101. Discouragement always follows stiff and unresponsive chops. Whoever has the patience to play music very softly wins the battle. We're talking a quiet whisper. Lip sensitivity is the goal. Being able to control soft delicate passages always provides a boost to your morale. Nurture that skill daily.
- Resting Class 101. A couple days away from the horn can be the best mind-clearer. Inspiration usually returns after a vacation. Physically and emotionally, we need a break. Muscles and mind must be given space to heal. However if you are taking this class too often, then this advice is not for you. Rest is for the weary.
- Exercise Class 101. Unless you are in marching band 24/7, you are probably in need of some good physical exercise. We just sit there and practice, and quickly get tired and bored. Go outside. Walk, run, jog, work out, etc. The performance must not be the only time the heart is racing. Off the couch!
- Good Practice Habits Class 101. Discouragement always follows a series of pitiful practice days. Lack of wise work yields tired chops and a weary mind. The best thing to do for successful music-making is to get on a roll of good work days. Moping and sloughing is the result of laziness in the practice room. Guilt over a poor work ethic quickly produces doldrums. Fix the work, and the results will be rewarding.
- Diet Class 101. Tons of sugar are of no help for doldrums. Sugar works for a few minutes, but that's all. Diet affects mood and strength. Eat wisely and see if your outlook improves. Discipline at the table might be related to discipline on the horn.
- Doldrums Happen 101. Burnout and discouragement is normal. Not to worry. Nothing is wrong with you that cannot be remedied. Expect days like this, but learn how to get out as quickly as possible.
- Parental Advice 101. After whining and moping about a variety of trumpet issues, my parents always used to say to me: "Playing the trumpet is what you have always wanted to do. Enjoy it and stop complaining!" Getting out of the city of Doldrums is a matter of the will, not the emotions.
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