Everyone has to practice, even the pro's. Here are twelve practice tips from legendary trumpet player Wynton Marsalis: Seek instruction Make a schedule Set and track your goals Concentrate while practicing Relax and practice slowly Practice what you can’t play Always play with maximum expression Don’t be too hard on yourself Don’t be a showoff Think for yourself Be optimistic Look for connections between music and other things… Click here to continue reading.

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From the hit TV show, How Its Made, check out these videos of how your instrument is made from start to finish. Flute Clarinet Saxophone Trumpet Trombone Snare Drum Head, Shell and Cymbals Rico Reeds Handmade Flutes Workshop Saxophone Factory Tour Trumpet Factory Tour To view the current video, click the play button in the middle of the video screen. To view the next video, click on the arrow on the right side of the video screen, To choose a new video, click… Click here to continue reading.

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WARM-UP Like athletes, musicians need to warm up the muscles they’ll be using. Start slowly with long tones such as whole and half notes. This will help get your mind and body focused and ready to go on. SET GOALS FOR YOURSELF These goals should be based on what your teacher assigned: for example, “today I’m going to improve that hard part in my band music” or “today I’m… Click here to continue reading.

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There is a whole bunch of great information in your method book which you should use as a learning tool. Here are a couple of main tools: The Fingering chart Fingerings for most of the notes you’ll need. The Play-A-Long CD Playing along with your CD is one of the best ways to practice. A Glossary of Musical Terms A quick way to learn musical terms. Rhythm Studies A great way to practice rhythms either by playing or clapping… Click here to continue reading.

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Find A Good Quiet Place To Practice In practicing, it is as important to think abut what you are doing as it is to do it. That’s why you should find a spot such as a bedroom where you won’t be disturbed during your regular practice time. Get Music Supplies Promptly Some instruments won’t play at all without certain accessories such as reeds, and you can’t play well with one that’s worn out. So… Click here to continue reading.

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Why do we teach music? Not because we expect you to major in music, Not because we expect you to play or sing all your life, Not so you can relax, Not so you can have fun, But – so you will be human, So you will recognize beauty. So you will be sensitive, So you will have something to cling to, So you will have more love, More compassion, More gentleness, More good – In short, more life. Of what value will it be… Click here to continue reading.

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