I did a Google search this morning for "circle of breath" and Kehaulani's TrumpetBoard post regarding the "circle of breath" comes up 6th in the results. That's a good sign. By the way, ROWUK posted a reply to the "circle of breath" thread, which prompted my Google search. It's great to see him here.
I agree with Kehaulani’s suggestion about getting Rowuk to participate. His post were worth reading and generated a lot of good discussion. The kind of discussion that, I believe, could help this site improve its Google ranking.
I have a King 600, not a Tempo and I have no idea what the difference is. Based on the serial number is was made between 1981 and 1982, which I believe pre-dates UMI. It’s not a bad student horn, not squirrelly and has a decent tone. My son played it his first year on trumpet.
But I’m with Dr Go on the Olds Ambassador. I have a 1957 Olds Ambassador and I love how it plays. Paid $100 for it on eBay and had my brass tech inspect it. He cleaned it, replaced the valve springs, felts and corks and said it was good to go. Its raw brass and not a “tricked” out beauty like Dr Go’s, but I think it looks pretty good for 62 years old!
When I started my comeback, 16 months ago after a 40 year layoff, I have practiced on my own for 1 ½ hours per day, 7 days a week on a consistent basis. After a year, I struggled with an A above the staff and my overall progress was disappointing. I knew it was time for a teacher and at the end of January started Skype lessons with Bruce Haag, a long time student of Claude Gordon, who has worked with many older comeback players (I’m 62) like myself.
Over the last 3 months I’ve diligently followed Bruce’s lesson plans and my workable range is up to a high C. Not an earth shattering improvement, but after struggling on my own it feels great and I’m confident my range will continue to improve. Like most of you have said, a private teacher is necessary for improving range.
When I started playing again (about 16 months ago after a 40 year hiatus) I spent time researching mouthpieces online looking for the “best” mouthpiece to start my comeback with. Lindermann’s post was one of many I read. I learned a lot about mouthpieces and came to the conclusion that mouthpiece choice was largely dependent on personal variables and goals.
My comeback mouthpiece safari led me to try a Yamaha 14B4, a Curry 3C., a Claude Gordon Personal (CGP) and a Conn 4, in that order. Size wise I don’t think any of these mouthpieces would be considered “specialized” equipment.
The 14B4 and the 3C. worked well for me (played each for serval months). The CGP produced a tone I liked, but it severely impacted my endurance, so after 2 weeks I decided not invest any more time on it. The very day (fate?) I decided to stop using the CGP I was organizing my garage and found the Conn 4, which was my first mouthpiece, and I decided to try it.
Playing the Conn 4 was like finding an old friend. It’s comfortable and easy to play. It also provides better endurance than the other mouthpieces, which is really important to me because of limited practice time. The only drawback is that I prefer the tone produced on the other 3 mouthpieces, but I’m willing to sacrifice a little on tone for the other benefits the Conn 4 provides, so I’m going to stick with it for the foreseeable future.
@Dr-GO
I learned a lot from Rowuk as well. His "tough love" approach was very similar to the manager I learned the most from early in my business career. I hope he decides to join the forum.
I also wipe my valves and casings with a lint free paper towel or cloth before I oil them (read it on TM as well) and I agree it keeps the valves debris free. Well worth the effort.
As a comeback player, I’m one the less experienced players here on TB and so far I really like what’s happening here. I like the friendly tone of the responses and comments. I think it will help attract the less experienced players, especially young students, and create word of mouth that, over time, will make this forum a success. Hopefully the nasty grumps from TH will stay away!
@Brian-Moon
I believe the guidance of a good teacher is the way to find out what works most efficiently for you.
My high school trumpet teacher (back in the 70's) also believed you "place the damn thing where it works." My placement is mostly upper lip and, as I recall, his was mostly lower lip.
@Three-Sevens
Mike great to read your story. I packed up my horn in 1978, with every intention of playing again. I never thought it would take me 40 years to do so. I’m 62 and a few years away from retirement, but my kids are grown and now have some free time. I guess too much free time, a little over a year ago my wife told me I needed to get a hobby! So out came the trumpet. Since then I’ve been practicing on my own about 1 ½ hours almost every day. I’m playing in our local community band that has a great group of musicians (ages 12 to 90!). And two months ago I started taking lessons from a great trumpet teacher. I couldn’t be happier to be back on the trumpet!
Looking forward to being a part of this forum.
Jorge