Good  Advice  from  gRawlin  for  trumpeters

The more you play, you discover that trumpet is a way of life and a discipline. No practice: then no improvement, but also you will loose what you have. So fine players make trumpet practice and performance an important portion of their world view.

To marry a trumpet player - or any musician- is a challenge. Their time is divided into one more discipline beyond Church, family, and occupation. Trumpet playing can be a hobby - but it comes at a high price in time and commitment.

If you are committed to being a player for whatever reason, be considerate of those around you. Find a time and place to practice that does not spoil your relationships. Fine players are disciplined people, with a generally happy outlook on life. They are expressive and thankful for the talents they possess.

But if the trumpet is going badly for them - us - we can be real "bears" until a breakthrough arrives.

I hope this website will lead you to more profitable playing, and a better way of living life.
gR

Humility goes a long way. Being political wears thin fast. Never play higher than the leader, but always send a sub better than you are. It may sound stupid but contractors never like being let down.
Honor and character come first. If you can't play the charts, admit it and don't take the job.
Your reputation is only as good as your performance and character.
Don't complain to other players.
Don't gossip.
Take the higher road and turn the other cheek.
You will be chastised, made fun of, and not a part of the musicians in-crowd.
Your playing speaks for itself - let it.
Come prepared, don't warm up on the stand, empty your spit quietly when the act is singing softly:)
Wear clean clothes, take baths, brush your teeth, and the same applies to your trumpet.

There are players that play as a profession, and players that play for fun and ego. Be a player that plays to please the audience and the leader.

Don't quibble over doubling, overtime, or  missed breaks. There is always someone on the bandstand to do it. Stay out of the  politics. If someone asks you how so and so plays, be honest.

gR
PS I did not adhere to this advice many times and it cost me

Do you make a chart of your practice progress? Probably not, but it can help you learn what your cycles of progress and decline are.
When you practice is it a logical plan, based on what you need to accomplish, or just whatever strikes your fancy?
These answers will tell you what kind of student you are.
There is nothing inherently wrong with practicing what you feel like practicing- if you are sincerely concered about progressing. The will to succeed is strong and if you are a self motivated person this can work for you. However the documentation of what you played, and how you feel about it will give you a clearer focus for each new practice session.

Discover what your cycle is - when you are strong, when you need to lay back. The study of bodybuilding technique can be directly applied.

Keep this written down in a notebook and after several months you will have established a paln to follow that actually leads to steady progress.
gR