Comeback Player - Am I Practicing Right?
A month ago I picked up my trumpet (Bach Strad 43 in silver) after a 22 year break. I’ve enjoyed getting back into it, and the TE tuner app has been very eye opening. I played through high school but never really played to get the right pitch, just to get the note out. The TE tuner app has been great to help me know when I’ve naturally produced a good pitch.
About a week ago though I realized my practice may have been counterproductive. I was expanding my range to above the staff but realized I was forcing those notes and getting a bad tone. I finally realized the relationship between proper air support and a relaxed embouchure that does not force the mouthpiece against the mouth.
Since that realization I’ve decided to only play and practice for as long as I can get a naturally good pitch, and no longer. So 1-2 minute of leadpipe warmups and then just focusing on long tones. As soon as I feel like my muscle support is giving out and I find myself pressing the mouthpiece hard against my face to compensate, I stop.
Is this the right approach? My practice sessions are around only about 10 minutes long (twice a day, 5 days a week) and probably 4 minutes of that 10 is letting the horn come off my face so my muscles can rest.
I am wanting to join my city’s community band in early September (no auditions so that is great) and am trying to get in shape for that. I just worry that I’m taking this too slow.
Any insight appreciated. Thanks!