How To Practice: Building A Routine That Works by Charlie Porter

In this video, GRAMMY-Award winning trumpeter Charlie Porter breaks down his own seven-part practice routine and demonstrates the concepts necessary to getting the most out of daily trumpet/instrument practice.
Charlie's "How To Form An Embouchure" video:
• How To Form a Trumpet ...
Embouchure eBook:
www.charliepor...
Charlie's Spotify Link (All of the music used in this video are from his two albums as a leader):
open.spotify.c...
Charlie's music for sale on BandCamp:
charlieporter....
Official website: www.charliepor...
To schedule private online lessons with Charlie Porter, click the link below:
www.charliepor...
For bookings for Charlie Porter email [e-mail]

[@dylanalford4604]

let's all take a moment to appreciate the production quality here! color, framing, lighting, sound, editing, and content. Well done.

[@CharliePorter]

Much appreciated!

[@jdlandisify]

Oh - hey Dylan!

[@ChrisDavisTrumpet]

I was thinking the same thing, Dylan! The most challenging thing is to get the voice and the trumpet at great levels. Mission accomplished here!

[@CharliePorter]

Thanks! Trying! Studied some videos on lighting and various video making stuff. Still learning a lot!

[@TheEDub56]

Charlie's a world class virtuoso - and he loves to teach. That's a rare combination.

[@pippoMASO]

If Arban is the written bible for trumpeters, this video is the movie bible. Charlie this is the most complete, rich, clear and straight forward video I've ever seen about trunpet playing. You are such a gift to us!!!

[@ellman10]

1. Lip buzzing/mouthpiece (glissando sirens); more volume low, less high. 2. Flexibility (mouthpiece gliss. as guide) 3. Vocalises and lyrical melodies (smooth air stream) 4. Long tones (active support muscles, play soft, breath attack with clear sound 5. Technical studies (play piano) 6. Actually play music (not just technical aspect, but in a musical perspective) 7. Endurance and range

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

But wait! There's more! 1. 1:32 2. 8:35 3. 19:58 4. 28:12 5. 34:51 6. 46:35 7. 51:46

[@vigilancebrandon3888]

Thank you!

[@ellman10]

@@jeremyrhoads6899 hahaha nice!

[@keithstarkey5584]

And then repeat after me: Our Father, who art in heaven....

[@mrcheese906]

Thx I’m Gona be like the lead trumpet next year so ima need to practivr

[@Bazzerine]

3 years later and this is still the best trumpet lesson I have ever had. Absolute gold. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into teaching Charlie, it’s very much appreciated and has transformed my playing.

[@bobgraham6540]

After 11 years of band to the college level, 6 years of private lessons, and 2 years of comeback after a 35 year layoff, this is by far the best one hour trumpet lesson I have ever had! Thanks, Charlie, for being so gifted in communicating these basic concepts that so many others have failed to explain so clearly.

[@cooganbeggs4942]

Hi Bob your story almost exactly reflects mine! ...totally agree 👍 good luck with the comeback. I really struggle with endurance and im sure theres a lot here to help with that

[@bkf8166]

Me too! 25 years since I've had a group to play with. I keep my horn on my desk as I work from home and play several times per day.

[@bkf8166]

@@cooganbeggs4942 Me too Coogan!

[@starwarswannabes285]

For me it was the saxophone, but I bought a trumpet for my 8 year old son and a flute for my 11 year old daughter for this Christmas. I also bought a French horn and I will learn with them so my plan is to re learn my sax after 40 plus years (59 years old) and also learn the French horn and his trumpet. We have a so so community band that I hope to join in a year or less.

[@PatrickJunkers]

These exercise routines and that "circle concept" behind it have been extremely fruitful for my playing, so I'm very grateful for your tutorial! One thing I have noted is that it gets even more effective when you add pedal tones to the "circle".

[@2oot]

Soooo good to have Charlie Porter back! One of the few trumpet players who can play and teach. Loving the Monette btw

[@CharliePorter]

Thanks!

[@ephraimpinckney8209]

He's the best on the web.

[@ephraimpinckney8209]

@@musicbooksexplained It seems everybody has heard of him. He is a master salesman if nothing else .

[@smacdermaid]

I’m just picking up my trumpet again after 30 years to play with the Crossmen 50th anniversary Alumni corps in 2024. Thank you so much for this video. There were many things I needed to hear. Thanks for helping me set up my practice routine moving forward.

[@jefflevine4412]

I began playing trumpet when I was 5yr. old. and loved music ever since - 73yr. now. I discovered Charlie Porter's videos casually roaming Trumpet videos on you tube. Charlie is the trumpet teacher and guide I've needed my entire life!!! From the standpoint of talent, knowledge and character,If you are sincerely motivated to learn how to play your trumpet the right way, look no more - he is as good as you're likely to find - probably better!!!

[@1oboeajusco586]

Dear Charlie, If you keep giving such wonderful lessons on youtube we won’t need private sessions! Thank you

[@CharliePorter]

Haha! Thanks ;)

[@TheMessyTruthHurts]

This is just pure straight sweet honey goodness. This is a gift to a Trumpet player at any level. Been playing for 44 years and yet I still learn and learn. Thank you my brother.

[@moussavarolgil9658]

Only 68k views ? For me this is like the New Testament of how to practice ;) 🙌🙌 step by step. So friendly to understand but on a professional and high level. To get this knowledge for free feels simply wrong. Thank you Charlie !!

[@thomasheberer3034]

Dear Charlie, thanks a million. Your advice, yet again, is spot on. I have been watching this and several other videos of yours, and I enjoyed them all. I love the way you present your thinking and I am in awe of your kindness. I've been a trumpet player myself for close to 50 years, familiar with many of your conceptual ideas. However, it's fantastic to be reminded again and again. Much love, your friend Thomas Heberer

[@jancervinka4136]

The best trumpet tutorial I've ever seen. Thank you Charlie so much.

[@rodent65]

Yep, I’m another comeback player, and this video is brilliant. Just wish I’d had Charlie as my teacher, or his videos when I first learnt. Thank you Charlie.

[@mikecoco3250]

Fundamentally sound, insightful and clearly articulated concepts put into practice. Your gifts of teaching and performance are second to none. Thank you Charlie for sharing your gifts with the world!

[@pebblebeach8517]

Charlie is a national gem.

[@jakehendriksen2841]

I'm 15 minutes in on this video, and I swear I already understand more about playing trumpet and getting a more polished sound than I did through all of elementary, middle, and high school playing. I've been getting back into playing music (piano, guitar), and wanting to reconnect with trumpet (I still have my old instrument from high school!) has been on my mind. This video is the first one I clicked on when looking for some direction, and it will clearly be something I revisit a lot in the coming months!

[@joshuakrautner2349]

I think this is a great summary of the videos that he's made before. it does a good job of connecting all Charlies foundational concepts in his earlier videos.

[@melodynote333]

Taking lesson from a Grammy award winner is gold. That grammy cought my attention so I stuck around to here the whole lesson 👍🏽

[@carlreck]

Charlie - I love your videos! However....... I taught beginners for 37 years in public schools. I started my career teaching brass to buzz their lips outside the mouthpiece. We would buzz long notes and simple songs. The result was that students would pinch their lips together too much and would end up with pinched sounds. After a couple of years, I switched to mouthpiece buzzing, which is more like what you do when you play the trumpet and ended up with much better results. I don't believe in buzzing without the mouthpiece for anyone, but if you use it, players that have played for awhile would get better results than beginners.

[@TheLazyClips]

You will forever be my sensei. I listen to your album on spotify daily. I cant believe how much you've helped me for free! Everything you said has made a big impact on my playing.

[@freetidjane]

Thanks Charlie ! A gem as usual. Much love from Douala

[@elsonharewood7933]

I had planned a 3hr practice for tonight but after studying few of your short lessons I stumbled on this. I watched and read some of the many comments. I had practised some of the exercises before and wanted a refresher/revision on them. I did not practise, except for the free buzzing, horn is still on the stand and three hours of "classwork" achieved. Very Valuable. The number of positive comments and length of some of them validate the appreciation and gratitude we, novice, amateur and student trumpeters, have for efforts, dedication and generousity to the fraternity of trumpeters. Your methods of explaining technical aspects of trumpet techniques and related anatomical association is flawless. A trait of a great communicator and teacher. I have one small complaint, observation actually, sometimes you gasp for breath while speaking. You are not using your breath like when you are playing. 😅😅😅 Seriously, You may want to look at your phrasing in the future, it is not a difficult thing to rectify. I hope you take this comment in spirit in which I'm giving it. If you can give me so much, for free, I think I offer you something in return, in appreciation for your assistance to me, and other students. Once again, thanks much!

[@farseer123456789]

Charlie this is great. One topic I wish you touched on is how you rest throughout a practice routine? Maybe also do a video on coming back to the trumpet from taking a break. I know I'm having a hard time being consistent and motivated during the pandemic because all my gigs are gone for the foreseeable future. Might be a good topic for another video.

[@Wanielyo]

This really is a masterclass, it's inspiring how you make it look so easy too! Your violin bowing anology reminded me of Eddy Chen's lesson (before twoset) on intonation; he suggests that practising muscle memomy is not enough to play in tune but that practising hearing (or singing) the notes in tune is your best chance of consistently playing in tune. And so it is for playing high on trumpet, if you know the sound your body can find the slot better. Someone else famous (sorry don't remember) has suggested playing regular tunes 8va (15ma for you!?) to increase range and I think this really works, and probably because you are hearing the notes clearly in your mind.

[@silveralpaca5789]

Dan Snikliw was it maynard?

[@Lottemuis]

Hi , all the way from Belgium ! I restarted playing the trumpet after many years but this time i want to do it properly ! This is really useful and I never heard it so well explained . Thank you so much and pls keep on posting !!

[@lenzotrumpet]

Charlie I watch this video from time to time and ....each time I pick up some really great advice. Things that I am doing in my daily routine you mentioned all of them.This video is a wealth of knowledge..thank you Anthony

[@tonyprice1612]

Gorgeous sound, Mr. Porter!!

[@clarityy1082]

Great video. Thank you for removing my semi-guilt for including the need to play music, too. My practice always includes tunes I dream (and have succeeded!) in playing.

[@jens_trumpet]

This is pure magic, folks and everything you need to know when it comes to fundamental trumpet playing. Great stuff, Charlie! Let's catch up soon!

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

Just as useful as your UK masterclass. I use that quite regularly in my practice sessions. Mainly the Breaking Bad Long tones and the metronome articulation exercise. The internet can be awesome if used properly.

[@milesdavissmurfaccount5814]

I play the trumpet since 11 years now with privat lessons and I’m not able to buzz my lips like that, never saw it like that. Now I’m frustrated since I can’t figure it out, but you did a great job!

[@ttrumpetguy]

Once again you've hit it out of the park Charlie! Great video, it will help fill in some of the blanks for some of my students, particularly the simple yet brilliant concept of playing lower louder, higher softer. It even already produced noticeable benefits in my sound and accuracy/speed of lip slurs in the short time (today) that I've been using it. The Triad and Maurice Andre exercises worked for me quite well too. I think that I now have a new, "old" concept to teach with. Interesting enough, one of my old teachers, Frank Collura (former Assistant Conductor/4th trumpet/Utility 1st trumpet with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra -n the 1970's, now retired) was always going through my Schlossberg book screaming at it, while reversing all the dynamic markings from decrescendos to crescendos when the music descended below middle C to low G, but never mentioned decrescendoing, while ascending into the upper register, nor spoke of it as an over-riding concept of how the trumpet should be approached in general, but it makes great sense. His reasoning , was that the notes on trumpet below middle C wouldn't speak as quickly acoustically, so one should crescendo into them to so they can be better heard in the context of balance, within an orchestra. I like your concept which you gave Domenic credit for and am curious if it may have emanated from the French School of trumpet playing? Wherever it came from, it's now a keeper in my playing and teaching! Thanks again!

[@interdimensionalsailboat]

You went into the fundamentals of practice in general. Luckily i had already learned those in general but it is great to keep in mind and not forget. Thank you very much for the reminder and that is stuff everyone should learn for everything in life!, i hope my first trumpet arrives soon!

[@jazzbonept]

Yeah Charlie, thanks for sharing! I'm loving the anecdotes from these great trumpeters!

[@jeffreyluttrull2961]

Stumbled on this at just the right time. Playing forever, repeating same mistakes. Rut. Great stuff. Thank you.

[@두꺼비-h1g]

You are the best teacher ! I deeply appriciate you .

[@alexcarter8807]

Busking is just off the table these days, I was making really decent money. But you know what? I love the trumpet even more! My goal is to attain mastery, and then pass on what I know, like you are doing.

[@MrRezillo]

An incredibly helpful video, Charlie. I appreciate all the hard work involved in it. I"ve been practicing a lot, getting slowly better - but too unfocused, getting overwhelmed by too many chop exercises from too many methods by too many teachers, great as they all are. I'm going to adopt all your suggestions here, and see where it takes me. Mega thanks.

[@DeutschlandGuy]

I'm not a trumpet player (I'm a guitarist), so just happened across this video. Having said that, the first 1 1/2 minutes of Mr. Porter's video is so spot on for all musicians, regardless of what instrument they play or what style of music they play. There is so much "there there" in those few words. If anyone is interested, there is a brilliant (and well known) classical pianist named Madeline Bruser who penned the book "The Art of Practicing" that goes into great depth on the subject. Although she is a pianist, she covers some specifics on many other instruments but like Mr. Porter, the concepts apply directly to any instrument or genre. While Mr. Porter's videos focus specifically on trumpet (there's nothing wrong with that), Ms. Bruser's book takes a very wide "big picture" approach. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to find joy in practicing, rather than "dread". You can find her book on Amazon. Thank you, Mr. Porter for such a find video (and for the other high quality videos you produce).

[@peterhenley9776]

Totally awesome lesson, you are a legend Mr Porter! Such great practical tips to get the most from your practice.

[@marvintrumpeter1013]

Best trumpet lesson ever.... Thanks very much Charlie Porter

[@normfowler3108]

Charlie, thanks very much for all the videos you have produced, they have helped me a lot. I have always struggled with range and endurance and gave the trumpet up 35 years ago, because I was not able to improve and get to where I wanted to be. Just recently my son died and I was shipped my very first trumpet, a 1968 Conn Constellation and thought I would try it again. :-) I have watched this video and downloaded the pdf file and read through it every time I start to warm up. It has helped me greatly, although one thing was not very clear and while keeping the lips flat against the teeth I could go up, but had a lot of trouble coming down and going up again. I think I discovered the thing that was not very clear to me and that is the lips at the aperture move very slightly in and out while going up and coming down, this allows me to have the range, but also keep the aperture open. I found by doing this I could go up and down so much easier and use a lot less air, without losing the opening. So I think it is a combination of the muscles pulling up and down, along with the lips moving in and out a very small amount. I hope this is clear and correct, as you have helped me a lot, I already have more range and endurance then I did 35 years ago. Thanks again, Norm

[@keithrollings2536]

Fantastic lesson. Best I've ever seen and heard. Thankyou Charlie Porter.

[@stevekalesia7933]

These videos are gold. Thank you.

[@atsuibeatz3523]

Great video. And the finger buttons match the shirt and the walls. Love it!

[@melissadouville1489]

This is so helpful, thank you! The hose metaphor is really helpful for a beginner like me who tends to force the high notes.

[@chrislittlefield9999]

Wow Charlie...you've given us the "gold" yet again my man ~ many thanks 🖖🏾

[@leandrocastagnari7846]

Thank you for be back

[@tatendamapisire1597]

You're a blessing to the horn world. Remain Blessed!

[@rdbordeman]

Another fantastic video by Charlie Porter with real instruction to be better. Thank you Charlie!

[@krzysiekromanowski2385]

Thanks for the video! Very useful tips

[@pendragon1662]

I appreciate the absolute gold of advice for so many trumpet players, lots of musicians would want money for this info, so the least you guys could do is like and subscribe

[@shootingbloke]

Thank you so much Charlie for spending time on this priceless video and for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience. It is very much appreciated. After 50 years of playing, it's back to the drawing board.

[@tjgus7458]

I can not thank you more ! This video is like arbans for me. Every single thing really helped me to get over with my musical slumps and even taught me which of my routines was wrong ! ; ) God bless you !

[@tjgus7458]

*watching everyday*

[@tjgus7458]

:)

[@revocolor]

Maybe the best trumpet lecture on the net! Thank you 💛

[@matteocomellini]

If you are a disciplined intermediate trumpet player you won't need any other lessons. Just work thru this video and organize your time. I wish I could dedicate 3 hrs a day to the trumpet and music. Lucky who can. I will try my best to find the time. This video really motivated me. Thank you Charlie!!

[@ahmetbarsgunaydn5125]

Dude please keep uploading. You are the best!!!!

[@gordonhicks8257]

Thank you for another great instructional video. I want to add it's not only neighbors who love the triad exercise. Family members do too!

[@miroslavkostic2533]

26:50 - 28:05 it is all connected... french horn player here, an amateur F single, perhaps the only one around the globe, so to add for warm up I use full note slurs only one harmonic interval at the time throughout range. For this exercise I pronounce "da-i" up and "di-a" down though there is phenomenal article about using vowels Joe Neiser "Developing a beautiful brass sound". If you have some video on using vowels please notify me I really enjoyed this lesson.

[@CarlyWaarly]

Charlie, it is terrific of you to share all this professional experience and knowledge, this would have been unavailable years ago when starting to learn and play in school bands and school orchestras. Thanks for sharing, so much appreciated.

[@bluekingdom6301]

3 years playing sax the lip buzzing sirens warm up worked immediately and singing before playing great thanks for sharing your knowledge much appreciated. Big grins 🎷

[@rogerharris8081]

A well done tutorial on how to practice. This is a testimony of how important the fundamentals are to playing the trumpet. The basis you have laid down to building a well balanced practice session is crucial for young players that want to advance their skills. Thanks for publishing this vlog sir!

[@pedromcasar5923]

Hey Charlie, or should I say, profesor Charlie!!! I just wanted to stop by and thank you for all the advise I’ve learned from you!! Thank to your approach to letting the air flow I was able to finally play this beautiful instrument!! I had so many ways to do it the wrong way… now I have your teachings! Thank you again

[@jtollefson1973]

Right on, excellent video, great production, and most importantly, drawing from so many sources. As a trumpet player, band director, and educator for over 20 years working with young people internationally, it is so important to build succinct and practical routines for the kids on all instruments, especially addressing "why am I doing this?" Thanks for the great references and organization.

[@SavoPaddy]

Congratulations on the Grammy Charlie, A1 video as always

[@francishanover5168]

Omg I played in marching concert and quartet bands as a teenager and starting all over as an out of practice 50+ adult . Thank you Learning like a babe in the woods all over again

[@francishanover5168]

I agree on ficus of technique. I studied hard as a kid but I wished you were my mentor. But 70/80s we just did it. Now I am relearning

[@petersage6637]

Such an amazing video family thank you

[@eduardolopes3000]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much for that. I was a trumpet player on a college band 30 years ago and now because of these videos I am seriously thinking to get back on practice. Thank you again.

[@benwinstanleymusic]

Very helpful video, and beautifully shot. Thanks Charlie

[@lawrencequave8691]

Truly outstanding video with excellent, very useful technical descriptions. You've inspired me to return to serious trumpet practicing and playing. You're an EXCELLENT teacher! (Anybody who is listening to crap radio when they're driving instead of buzzing their mouthpiece is wasting valuable practicing time.) Thank you. I've subscribed.

[@ynnadssom]

Charlie, you are quite a gifted teacher. Your musicianship, discipline, and intelligence shine through in your videos. Would love to take a lesson with you sometime. Thank you.

[@tomasuriel93]

Thank you so much for all the content that you share with the comunity! Its incredibly useful.

[@carloscenteno59]

Thank you Charlie! Your ideas and explanations are very well explained.

[@timpickel6015]

I appreciate your teaching Charlie thank you so much

[@criscaceres___]

Great work Charlie, Thanks for sharing!!

[@reinaldomartinez13]

you completely transformed my philosophy towards playing and approaching the trumpet, you're a master through and through, maybe some day ill get the chance to thank you in person

[@rik-keymusic160]

Thank you so much Charlie!!

[@eliascastillo4130]

Sir, great vidio. Really good explanation about fundamentals, embrochure, sound, range. Very helpful. Thanks for this master class

[@cliffordbrown4509]

Love his dedication to teach in an incredible informative and! nice manner. Wish i could meet him in person for lessons :-(

[@dizzylee7215]

I'm so glad I found this video. Thank you

[@jef777]

I love this. Thank you so much. For me one of the best videos on KZbin.

[@amalbush4075]

I find your videos very helpful. I am a beginner in trumpet playing and it helps me a lot. I hardly try to do all the exercises corectly.

[@psychobret]

What a great video! Thanks so much Charlie for sharing your knowledge with us. Now I'm going back to work ;-)

[@englishmatehub437]

thanks so much! there is a few serious trumpet trainer but you are different way! shooting words and melodies,methods %100! you are great trainer! its gonna master class! each spelling is most important huge patience man!

[@80701012]

Best explanation I've heard on how to improve. Great help!

[@3shombres]

Great lesson, great value advise, bravo!!! Thanks

[@artisfine]

Fantastic Charlie ! There is the way......! Thank you.

[@giuseppeschepis-castlebroo2318]

Wonderful masterclass! Thank you for making & sharing this video, such a rich resource of all the basic fundamentals. I feel like I owe you $$ for having had a personal lesson!

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

Charlie thanks so much for this video. I've followed along to it for 4 days in a row now and it feels great!

[@teucap5965]

this video is so great oh my god

[@flaviofreitas4357]

You are the Best teacher. 🙏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽

[@tommyjames1726]

How clean and soft. Sounds.! Well done teacher Nov 2020

[@juanpi9840]

Muchísimas gracias Charlie,tus videos son increíbles,los tengo que ver subtitulados ya que no se hablar tu idioma,pero me parecen los más didácticos de todo youtube.Te vuelvo a dar las gracias y sigo esperando tus videos,un saludo desde España.

[@digin_9014]

Thank You for sharing so valuable knowledge

[@samuelwild4239]

Hello Charlie, loving your stuff - I'm an absolute beginner but I'm thoroughly enjoying the process so far! With the way the world is these days it's great to have a discipline where, if you want to improve and achieve, you can't rush and you must slow down, take care, observe and perfect! Just out of interest, where does the mouthpiece end and the lead pipe begin on your trumpet?! Or is it actually one piece! Regards, Sam

[@DIDIELINS]

Woww Charlie one of my best lessons I ever saw!! Thank you so much for that Champion

[@MrAlexmoore4]

Hi Charlie, been playing and teaching for many years here in the uk with much enjoyment, but I want to thank you for this really enlightening video with some great references including Maurice who has to be my favourite classical player. I’ve learnt so much and with a bit of application I reckon I might just get through that Bach duet with you without falling over ! Alex. Ps. Love the horn !

[@greenscreenscene7076]

love the new production

[@capitancanejo]

Thank you so much for Sharing.

[@luisvarocio]

Thanks 🙏🏼 very helpful!

[@Hen9207]

thank you for this vido. Fundamental! So appreciate your work and tutorials.