Learning the trumpet

[Lillypad]

Heldi

Re buying a trumpet: Check whether your local authority has a musical instrument purchase scheme which is a sort of play as you buy scheme but I think you end up paying less than if you bought it independently. You may have to use a recommended shop but you will get advice and guarantees and you may be able to include mutes etc.. You want a good 'beginners' instrument which could be traded in for a more 'professional' instrument later if needed. If I remember correctly, our authority's leaflet made suggestions as to suitable makes.

I would also recommend buying a music stand to encourage good posture whether sitting or standing - a small thing but it makes a heck of a difference to the quality of sound as the lungs are unrestricted.

[Lillypad]

[Heldi]

Hi Lauren. 

I am pleased to say that my son's new school is very keen on music. The range of various intstrument lessons available is quite outstanding...I have to say I wanted to have a go at some lessons myself!

Lillypad thanks for that info. Very useful. (Wish we had a thumbs up smilie.) Have thought of the music stand. We have one somewhere but it has done a disappearing act so looks like I'll have to buy another.

[Heldi]

Hi,thought I should update all you positive people on my son's progress...so you know I haven't forgotten the encouragment you gave  :)

He's joined a brass band!  He was offered a place by his tutor at school.  It's the junior section of a colliery band.

He got a very good trumpet from Santa but he's been given a cornet to play in the band.  ::) No worries, he uses the trumpet for lessons at school and at home.

His one minor set back was during his second time at rehearsal where he had a fit of nerves,thought he wasn't good enough and ran out of the door in tears.  Aaw bless. The band's treasurer took him aside and gave him a good pep talk with a lesson and he's never looked back.  He loves going to band rehearsal and has met some new friends. His confidence is beginning to grow.

He stood up in front of his class last week and played for them...he gained a house point but said his friends were saying he should get six! His music teacher (not trumpet tutor)said he got the trumpet out and sat polishing it with his "special gloves" during music lesson... that cracked me up ;D

The biggest thing is...the band are playing at a music festival this month!  He is nervous but only because he is stuck on "Blaydon Races"!  His tutor says not to worry and if he makes a mistake...make it a loud one  ;D 

Bought him a new top..."Trumpet dudes kick brass."   He wears it all the time  :)

I'm a proud mum  ;D  ;D

[Hyacinth]

LOVE his new T-shirt, whatever,  slogan ;D

Many Congrats to yr son 8)

[Common_Clay]

Great news Heldi! Thanks for giving us the update, it's really nice to hear a success story... but where's the video/pictures/audio?  ;)

[Hyacinth]

but where's the video/pictures/audio?  ;)

oh please, please, please!....NOT the audio ::) ;)... Ok then, let's hear Blaydon Races.. ;D

[katynewbie]

 ;D ;D ;D 8)

Oooh yes! The vid, the CD, the mp3...all of them please!

;)

[Heldi]

Thanks chaps! I'll let him know he has fans  ;D

Made me laugh...video...I think he'd freak..well maybe not, but you know something...I haven't taken a single photo of him with trumpet,how bad is that?!!  Excuse...don't know where my camera is since I went right off it for being crap. Must remedy that and get him posing. You've made me realise I have a serious lack of filming/photography kit. How did that happen??!!!

I haven't even heard Blaydon Races yet...he won't do it because he gets stuck reading the music. I've even offered to sing along..."Naaaaahh!" was the reply  ;D

Good news...the new neighbour is a pianist and isn't bothered by Ben's trumpet practice. I sat and had my tea to an acompanying piano the other day...get me! Made me feel kinda special lmao!

Thanks for your support  :)  :)  :)