Relearning the Trumpet - Time to Start Playing Again

[@denpat42]

Greetings Jason, Just found your channel and I was so happy to find a kindred spirit! I am older By quite a bit in fact I am 82 years old and like you I began my trumpet journey in fifth grade and played all the way through high school and a couple of yrs in college. I was a bit better than average but never any real potential as a professional. After 60 yrs I recently have begun relearning the skills I once had but boy does age change the old lip and finger dexterity. lol

[@douglaschambliss7259]

Congratulations and keep it up. I played cornet from 1966-1974 then put it away for 42 years! All that time the only horn I blew was a train horn as a locomotive engineer. I retired 8 years ago and found my old Yamaha cornet and started to rebuild my embouchere. It hurt bad for about 6 months. But now I practice about 10 hours per week and have joined 3 community bands. I also have a baritone and that helps a lot. I play the cornet till I’m worn out. Then I switch to baritone for a while. That relaxes my embouchere and then I can play the cornet some more. I recently played “Buglers Holiday” as a solo with one of my community bands 50 years after the last time I played it in high school! Indiana/ Colorado Doug.

[@paulh3846]

Glad to see you are going for it! I'm 77 and still pick up my old high school cornet and play it now and then. What you have so capably described is what I have gone through many times over the years when the spirit moves me to pull out the old horn. I was not a spectacular player, but had a lot of fun with school band and as time moved along playing with a small old timey dance band. Yes, you have people interested in what you are doing. Best of luck and stay at it and post your results.

[@ComebackPlayer1]

Thanks so much. I’m hoping to post pretty regularly with updates. I don’t know if I’ll post every week into perpetuity, but for the early part of the journey, I think there will probably be some early success worth documenting. Thanks for checking it out.

[@cyclops1448]

Go for it buddy, and that trumpet is going to come up really great. I’m 80yrs old and still playing cornet, in BB in Australia😁👍

[@Overlycomplicatedswede]

I’m a trombonist and have been for 11 years now started in 4th grade and now I’m a senior in high school! seeing a grown man like you sir come back and play your instrument you did in high school is awesome best of luck to you I do 30 minutes of practice everyday and now after so many years I can proudly say I’ve made my schools top ensembles and have had several solos and it’s honestly something I’m so proud of myself for Love from Sweden

[@BriandeMSU]

Jason - I graduated from Rochester Adams in 1985 (I have to assume that’s the same Adams Highlanders). I played trombone through high school then took a 32 year break before starting back again in 2017! I now play in a 2 local jazz big bands in the Lansing area. Welcome back to playing!

[@ComebackPlayer1]

A fellow highlander! Awesome!!! I graduated in ‘88. We may have even overlapped year.

[@BriandeMSU]

@@ComebackPlayer1 I don’t think we did. Doing the math and 3 year high schools back then I graded in ‘85 and the sophomores when I was a senior would have graduated in 1987. My brother (Chris DeBano) graduated in 1989 so you may have know him. I thought the same thing you did when I started back, that there ought to be a KZbin channel for people returning to music after a long break. You just had more motivation to do it than I did! If you ever start taking “guest” come back players on your videos let me know!

[@ComebackPlayer1]

@@BriandeMSU I am actually looking for other comeback players to come on and share their stories, the struggles they faced, and just get the word out that there are really a lot of us out here. So yeah, maybe we can set up a zoom after the holidays

[@edsond2000]

Congratulations!!I'm just re starting after 35 years without touching a Trumpet...(I've played Bass guitar the last 6 years) I'm very sad cause I've wait so long...It's funnier then when I was Younger...I'll never be a Pro..but I'm happy.I'm 57 now..in good shape and I think re learn to play trumpet shall be good for the brain too...

[@charlielemmo4322]

My story as well. '88 grad. Picked it up again about 10 years ago. Practiced a bit and joined a community band. Agreed, definitely not like riding a bike! Enjoy the journey. I have!

[@martinconsulting5483]

I am proud of you! I haven't played regularly in 24 years, but have played periodically on my clarinet and tenor sax. My son started high school this year and about the end of October joined the band and started playing tenor sax. From there he had me come work with the sax section, and from there they got me involved helping the band director. I am now playing regularly and joining the Bartlett Community Concert Band over in West TN. I had never fully lost my embouchure but through practice I am regaining the stamina that I did loose. I have thought about documenting my journey just as you are doing, glad to see you are having fun with it.

[@mopman6827]

Hello sir, I am in high school, and am very passionate about trombone, this is so cool that your are actively trying to relearn trumpet, and I go through lessons and practice almost everyday, and I gotta say your doin it right, 20 mins a day everyday for a couple months, and if u keep practicing those scales, your gonna be great in no-time, scales are everything.

[@paulfairhurst1214]

I started again after 30 years, I was welcomed to a local brass band and got loaned a nice cornet. Keep at it. It's now 10 months back playing for me and I've played duets in concert.

[@timaphelps]

We have very similar stories. I picked the trumpet back up 4 months ago after 25 years off. Eddie Lewis has some great stuff for the comeback trumpet player. I also got a video lesson. I'm so excited about this journey. Please continue to share.

[@andrewdavies6355]

Just dug out my lovely old strad after 25 years on a trip back to the UK. Planning to restart …… the smell of valve oil alone brought back so many memories.

[@budlawrence4847]

Best of luck Glad to hear your playing again for the love of it!

[@garymiyamori3247]

It is great you're playing again. I'm 63, and stared playing when I was your age. I started playing again, after I got this condition called "Bell Palsy." I looked liked "Qusimoto," from the Hunchback from Notre Dame. My Doctor said, I would probably get over it. I started playing the trumpet for therapy. I eventually got over it, and kept playing ever since. In HIgh School, the HIghest Note I could play was a HIgh G or A, lower than what you could do. Watching KZbin videos, doing various exercises I have seen, I am able to play a Double "C." I my goal is a Triple "C" I have hit it weakly a few times but not very often. So keep it up. I'm 63. Let me say, if you didn't know, it is a trick. It is a secret those High Note Trumpet Players won't tell you, or don't know how to do. It took me several years talking to different High Note Trumpet Players and watching KZbin videos, and experimentation. Good luck to you.

[@RobertoDiaz-jo4hn]

Good luck!! Sounds pretty good for only 10 days. I’m 58 and just recently started up on the trumpet again! Keep posting and we’ll keep watching! Have fun with it!

[@jefsut]

74 here and just picked up my trumpet again (well, I played cornet in HS). It is a lot of fun. Tough to get my embouchure back but working on it. My goal is to be better than my high school player (a very low bar!). One thing that amazes me is while my sound is awful, I still remember all those scales. Guess they were just imprinted in my muscle memory! Good luck!

[@TheKevcarp]

I’ve just started again after 30 years, it’s slowly coming back but it will take time

[@Paul-yk9uq]

It's crazy that I come across this video now as I too graduated in '88 and recently decided to pull my horns out of the closet after a 35 year-long hiatus to start playing again! I figured It'd be relatively easy for me being that I was a fairly decent player back then. That thought couldn't be further from the reality that just bitch-slapped me square in the face! It wasn't pretty... at all! I think the first 'note' that came out sort of resembled a G, but I couldn't hold it long enough to determine. It was breathy. It was buzzy, and it was all over the place. It didn't resemble anything musical. It actually shocked me how bad I was. To save myself from further embarrassment, and my wife and pets from auditory torture I decided to just put the trumpet down, and start from square one. Reestablishing my embochure with just the mouthpiece. The tingly/numb feeling from my lips remind me of playing so long ago. So I think I'm on the right track, and hopefully will be able to attach my trumpet again. Watching your video was a joy, and look forward to seeing your progress!

[@ComebackPlayer1]

That’s awesome that you picked it up again after so long. I’m amazed at how many of us comeback trumpeters there are. If you’re ever up for it, I’d love to do a quick zoom call with you to hear your story about what made you want to pick it up again, what challenges you’re having, and what challenges you’ve already overcome. I think the more people realize they aren’t alone in these challenges, the note that they can be inspired to stick with the comeback playing.

[@Paul-yk9uq]

Sure! If you can set it up .@@ComebackPlayer1

[@janetspitchley6632]

After 30 years I bought another Bach and did better than I expected to. Determined to get better than I was in high school

[@ComebackPlayer1]

That’s awesome! How far are you into your comeback journey?

[@janetspitchley6632]

Literally just three practices so far. When I bought the Bach I had to take it to be cleaned up which took about eight weeks to get it back so just getting started. My goal is to be in the church orchestra and I am determined to get there

[@ComebackPlayer1]

@@janetspitchley6632 do you think you might be interested in doing a quick Zoom call and sharing some of your early struggles and what you’re doing to overcome them? There seems to be a lot more of us than I realized and I’m going to get some other people’s perspectives. Just hearing what other people are going through, I think might help other folks stay motivated in their own journeys.

[@janetspitchley6632]

Probably when I get a little more into it and can benefit from these early struggles and see how it goes over the next few weeks. luckily I still have all of my music from my band years. Definitely enjoyed your video. I will be watching more of them.

[@ComebackPlayer1]

@@janetspitchley6632 okay awesome. Let me know when you’re ready and we can figure out a time that works. I think just knowing that other comeback players are having similar struggles will help others, even if we haven’t figured out all of the solutions yet. One of my huge struggles back in school was really understanding music theory. I knew the basics… enough to play what was put in front of me, “okay, this tune has F#s, or whatever”, but beyond that, I was lost. So, besides learning how to play well again, I’m really trying to get a better handle on understanding the actual music.

[@serdarsakinan]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your story and experiences. I am 44 and just started learning trumpet and music theory from the scratch. I found your journey is quite inspirational. Greetings from Turkey.

[@ComebackPlayer1]

That’s fantastic! I would love to pick your brain about your journey and what led you to picking to a trumpet at age 44. My only exposure to fellow musicians has been in the U.S. so I’m really curious if you didn’t have the same opportunities to start at a younger age as we have over here. Or if you had similar opportunities, what made you wait until this age to pick it up for the first time. I’m super curious about your journey.

[@razdog76]

Age 49 and I picked my horn up a couple days ago after a 14 year hiatus. I was so surprised that I could easily go above the scale, but had difficulty with the low stuff. Having a good time getting back into it.

[@Soonerbldr]

Wow this is amazing. Same age, same grad year from HS and I just picked up a trumpet at a local music store to start relearning. My hope is similar to play in local bands or some jazz sittings. I’m excited to watch your journey! Recalling the notes and fingerings has been an exciting experience. Good Luck!

[@dizzylee7215]

Hi, I'm making a come back too. I went back to my old trumpet teacher after 3 and half years off . Having one, half hour session a week. Still building my embouchure and my articulation. Thankfully, I haven't lost my sound! Wishing you all best 😂

[@Sunshinenomad]

67 y/o here. Just starting again after 25 yr break. I picked up an inexpensive horn (I let my Bach Strad 37 go😢). Looking forward to relearning with you.

[@hysteppes]

Just started on cornet again after 25years of non playing, saw Sally Army band 7 days ago and had the urge to offer and help, since then have purchased a Rudy Muck EMO cornet and am starting again, I’ll watch your videos with interest on my comeback, what doesn’t help with me is that I lost my 2 front teeth due to an accident so have a bridge.

[@cyclops1448]

I smashed my mouth up in a car accident when I was 16yrs old, top teeth through my bottom lip, teeth forced up into my upper gums. Had to have bone cut out, was told I’d never play a brass instrument again, that was 1959, 1970 I audition on cornet for the NZ Army Band, and got in,served for 15yrs!!, still playing at 80yrs!!.Go for it😁👍

[@jpthomas369]

Just south of you in Atlanta. Doing the same thing after 17 years away from the horn!

[@NowAmFound]

You are telling my story. Lol I am your age and it's been 35 years for me also. I just picked it up again recently.

[@nickoD509]

What a coincidence, I'm 53 and I'm picking up my clarinet after not really doing much after high school too.

[@ComebackPlayer1]

That’s awesome! I hope you’re as much fun on your comeback journey as I’m having.

[@lemonfish4497]

You'll get there!

[@KillerQueen-vw5fg]

This is great that you’re starting again once you’re ready you should join your community band

[@bottomup12]

I’ve still got my Bach Strad from high school class of 1984. I paid for it myself by working for Pioneer seed corn in the summers 🌽. In my small Iowa high school, I played in concert, wind ensemble, Jazz, pep, Marching, solo competition, played the National Anthem for basketball and wrestling, taps, community band, etc. Wish we had all the teaching videos there are today. It’s been about three years since I last played. I may follow along with you to get back in shape. 🎺!

[@martinsimon6714]

Very novel. I'm in the same situation, except it's nearly 60 years. I'm an old Tenor sax player, but having great fun trying to play tpt again. There are certain features in common as regards embouchour, so making it possible to switch from one to the other. Remember the great Benny Carter?

[@dfromcool]

What a great channel! Subscribed! Cheers from California 🍻🎄

[@thomlemon7175]

I have recently done the same thing but I earned a degree in music education with a minor in trumpet performance, went into a different career and didn't play for 45 years. I picked it up again almost 3 years ago. I am in my second season in a local concert band. My endurance is good enough now to play 1.5+ hrs a day but my usable range tops out at high G or A but I get up to C and maybe a weak D in warm ups. Hoping to make high C a useful part of my range in the next 6 mos to a year. My advice to you, if you are serious, is to find a good teacher and play every day. I am lucky enough to live within a 30 min drive of a state university that offers a music degree. I have been studying for almost 2 years now with an excellent trumpet professor, an hour lesson every other week. It has made all the difference. If you didn't have private lessons with a very good teacher in high school, I'll bet you never really learned to use your air correctly. Everything is about how you use your air. Find a good teacher, play every day (almost) and good luck.

[@paulgrimm]

I was born in 53.Im playing an old American trumpet built in the 30s in Chicago .The slides are all nickel .The washing water was too hot and the lacquer fell off the slides .I can easily hit high C on it.Theres are a lot of sweet old horns out there . I believe you’ve got a Getzen Deluxe .You got a great deal❤.Take your time and don’t hurt your lips.The right mouthpiece really helps too

[@fredrikoscar4741]

Great! Keep going, and you will do it! It takes time. Long notes is always the way to go.

[@christopherbarker181]

That horn should be pretty good. Doc Severinsen played the Getzen Eterna horn for years! You are not old! I’m 71 and I’ve played up until about 4 years ago and I stopped; I decided to get braces to realigned my teeth because they had shifted and I couldn’t get comfortable on the mouthpiece. I get them off next month and I realize it’s going to take time but I’m expecting to get back to it. Good luck on your journey!

[@blainekelley816]

So cool that you have returned to playing and getting to do it while experiencing an old Getzen Super Deluxe. They are sweet horns. Many, many ended up with creased and crushed bells (I can see the repair on yours) because they are fairly thin. I think you are accurate with your estimated build date. As a long-time player, I would suggest that you concentrate a lot on your air support, as that will improve tone, endurance and range. Most of us use way too little air and our lips pay the price. I look forward to seeing upcoming videos and enjoying your progress. We are all rooting for you!

[@tomalleeson4573]

76 now... it's been about 60 years... I'll get back to you.

[@kalamageo]

Ain't technology grand? I'm a fellow comeback player. Graduated in '78. Started a few years back and have been devouring KZbin videos on "How To". Adam Rapa, Charlie Porter, Rashawn Ross................ My first notes after 35+ years off were pretty bad too. I ended up taking my truck and horn out in the woods to play. Side of the road stuff. Couldn't risk being heard by my family. The laughing would have ended my career before it started. Now, after taking some lessons, and lots of practice, I'm getting somewhere. I think Charlie Porter has some of the best videos on chops. There are as many methods as there are lips...... Find one and see if it works for you. Then try another. I started with Vizzuti then Clarke and a few others. My goal was range, as I was a lead in high school/junior college. Never was much of an improviser. My high school range was about like yours, High C -ish. With lots of Proper practice and the right mouthpiece, I can not pop out Double A's. If I was to give ANY advise to other comeback players is LOSE THE BACH MOUTHPIECE. Try a Lotus or other high end mouthpiece. The work I had to do to overcome the intonation problems that Bach CREATES, was horrible. Slotting and tone is MUCH better on my Lotus and Monette pieces. Horns obviously make a big difference too but start with a good mouthpiece and your work will be easier. For anyone developing an embouchure, I recommend Claude Gordon, especially the first 2 exercises. Read the directions and follow them. Long tones will develop your sound and blowing until you're out of air and stomach trembling, will develop the diaphragm muscles that support tone, especially the upper register. Don't try to go too far, too fast. Don't damage your face. Gradually lengthen your practice time. We all face challenges along the way. I spent 5 grand on Invisalign braces to straighten out lower jaw teeth that had moved since graduation. I didn't want metal in my mouth and to stop playing while the braces were in. Invisalign braces allowed me to simply remove them to play then replace them. Trying to take lessons during Covid proved interesting. I'm an airline pilot so practice time while working was tough. Playing a trumpet in a hotel room is a feat in itself. Yamaha silent brass helped. I'm now playing lead in my local community college jazz band. Retirement is this year so I'll be able to devote more time to practice. It will help keep me active and involved in music. The age range in community bands is a blessing and a curse. I love that they accept "old people" but am sad that they NEED old people. Music isn't as popular with kids as it used to be. best of luck all..................

[@TimMirth]

I started up again a week or so ago. I am a jazz guitarist, but played some trumpet over 20 years ago. So it's been fun. Met with one my jazz trumpet colleagues and he showed me some good stuff to do...mostly doing just lead pipe buzzing, flow studies, flexibility, and playing some simple songs. Sessions are like you only about 20 minutes, though getting 2 to 3 in a day. Clean range is from about Bb to Bb, though I can hit G# above with some dependency (part of a song my drummer wrote that seemed like a good melody). Anyways ..nice work. Let's do this.

[@madelynbuckner6148]

Sucks going from being an amazing trumpeter to being a beginner again. Im in the same boat but we got this.

[@robertgirdwood7216]

Hey! I'm right there with you my friend. let's compare notes. I've got 3 horns, a dirt cheap brand new made in India SAI, an antique York that's all beat up and a 1950 Pan America key of C that hasn't arrived yet. Real anxious about that one! I'm practicing about 1/2 to 45 minutes a day also.. It's starting to come back!

[@willbar1961]

Man I went through the band parent thing from 2014-2022 with my daughter being in high school and college. Being around it again was a great experience. I played Saxophones in Jr. High, High School and Army bands. I still have my first Alto from 1973 but it needs a rebuild. I also can't read music much now either. I know exactly how you feel about this subject! Good luck.

[@ComebackPlayer1]

Thanks for checking out the channel. I hope you get your sax playable and have some with it again. I wish I knew which family ended up with my old trumpet. I’d love to have that original one back in my hands. If it’s still around, it’s probably in the hands of some distant cousin that I’ve never met, collecting dust in an attic, after getting continually handed down from family member to family members. Wouldn’t it be cool if it was possible to trace an instrument back through everyone who’s played it to see what kind of roll it played in people’s musical journeys?

[@normgardner4560]

Most of all ENJOY IT!!

[@christopherbarker181]

Looks like you have a Herb Alpert embrasure🤔

[@oldbari2604]

You should see if there is a New Horizons Band in your area. New Horizons bands are set up especially for people who played when they were young and now after not playing for years want to play again. The atmosphere is very friendly, and they will help you with your playing. There is no pressure. Most have different levels so you would play with the people with the same ability. You don't sound too bad for how long you have been back on the trumpet. Keep it up.

[@richarddavy-smith6626]

There’s at least a couple of brass bands in Tennessee. One in Nashville and another in Crossville. Why not go full brass and play something fun?

[@soyomars]

From seeing you play, maybe roll that bottom lip out a little bit more, might help.