Sometimes life just overwhelms us, and we're left feeling like giving up might be a reasonable option. But why give up if taking one step yields the fruit of our labor? Figure out what that one step for today will be, and push into it. You have nothing to lose.
For example, here's a short term idea that will wake up and sharpen articulation. Spend an entire practice session in which everything is tongued, slur absolutely nothing. Turn all notes into groups of four sixteenth notes so a quarter note becomes four sixteenths, a half becomes eight sixteenths, etc. In order to strengthen muscle, and the tongue is a muscle, you must bring the muscle to failure. So fail away! It will only make you stronger. Try it and see. Runners and other athletes are experts in this. Rest when needed, but push past the comfort zone before giving in to the desire to cease from your efforts. |
GlendaI'm a trumpet player and music teacher aiming in this blog to help other Trumpeters, Music Enthusiasts, Music Educators, and aspiring professionals reach their highest potential in life through the study and cultivation of musical skills. Music Education
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