Trent Austin Mini Lesson #68: Navigating the balance between practice room chops and gig chops

[@IndofunkSatish]

Great advice Trent!

[@jonaskopacek7602]

Good advices. It is true. It's veeery different to play and hear your sound at home than on a gig. We must be smart and ready for it.

[@mrussojazz]

Your wall gives me anxiety…. Great tips my friend! We’re all in the same boat! Thanks for bringing this up for conversation!!!

[@kevin_soda]

I appreciate your candid perspective. Thank you!

[@risingsamuraibigband]

I have my first gig coming up in like 3 months due to COVID. Was really worried about not having “gig” chops, but this made feel better!

[@trumpetreneau]

Yes, yes, and YES!! We’re doing full brass section ensemble performances next week and I’m trying to do all of these things. I feel like I’ve built in a lot of good playing habits this year, but endurance? We’ll see… Schilke and Caruso definitely in my future!

[@trumpetman]

Thing about the drones as I mentioned in the chat earlier, you do them not just with the same note but as a reference when you play say, Cichowicz or Arban's arpeggio studies etc. I improvise with them too. Hearing other intervals against a drone is SUPER good for my ear! Some folks like to "see" their intonation on the app, I like to hear it and then check it visually with the app later. Builds the ear which is the goal IMO and the more in tune and down the center you play, the less you have to adjust and waste valuable endurance.

[@beautifulmusic4life]

Great advice and reminders. It's been along time since I've been on a gig situation.

[@donaldcarter6480]

Good morning Trent Austin!

[@stuartcombie8736]

Thanks Trent.

[@fabvregregoire8620]

Hi. What about outdoors gigs difficulties ? I have a concert next saturday in the afternoon, outdoor, hot weather, no shadow for the band, no amplification.... scary. It would be very interesting for me to listen your advices about those kind of contextes. It is very different than into a studio, a pub or the carnegie hall. The sound go away, in "space", it seems more difficult to center the trumpet sound and to hear what we play... What do you thing ?

[@Trioptio]

ty these are good reminders

[@jazzbob7]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Good to know some things to watch for. What earplugs do you use? Do you have any tenitus?

[@austincustom]

I use Earasers. And yes I have some slight tinnitus developing.

[@chrishatfield5086]

Thanks for sharing Trent. Do you have any recommendations for budget friendly ear plugs? Haven't played with an R&B style band in awhile and I have no idea where mine are. Never thought about using them for a big band gig but your comments made sense!

[@austincustom]

I use Earasers great product! (we do carry them as well)

[@jwiebeful]

Thanks Trent --- timely. Big bands getting ready to play after a year off! On a related note - I have a Jupiter Flugelhorn with a second valve that is intermittently "sluggish". All valves are cleaned and oiled but only the second acts up. Getting ready for big bands I need consistent Flugelhorn. Ideas?

[@donaldcarter6480]

Good morning Trent

[@grandpamojo]

Morning Trent - I’d like to add a question when you have a chance. I have an ML Bach and L Adams. Do you practice on both types of horn in a practice session?

[@austincustom]

I practice on my primary horn needed for the job as often as I can

[@highnotefan]

What was the big band gig?

[@chasefreak]

Mr Schilke would have students do the power studies holding the horn w just the right hand

[@kevin_soda]

I've found switching hands for long tones, etc., really helps balance and breathing. If you're twisted or leaning, the switch really helps.

[@marklewis9749]

What type of earplugs do you use?

[@austincustom]

Earasers. We sell them at the shop

[@marklewis9749]

@@austincustom Looked at the site, saw the containers for the plugs, but not the plugs themselves under "accessories". Is there a link?

[@austincustom]

www.austincustombrass.biz/earasers-musicians-plugs-vital-tools-for-your-ears/