Playing the trumpet is difficult. Sounds obvious, but the more I practice and the more it becomes easy in some respects, the more I realise how much more work there still is to do and how many hours I've already dedicated to learning this instrument. I really do enjoy it, and there are two things that have really stood out to me over this last semester;
1) Music doesn't have to be "trial and error" all the time.
If nothing else, my teacher Kristian has opened my eyes to the science behind trumpet playing. We can learn so many things from studies and research around the body and how we use certain muscles in playing. These, when combined with simple physics of airflow and pressure, make for firm foundations which can then lead to rapid learning through application. I've really learnt to be critical of everything I'm taught, finding out if it's trustworthy, and I've seen the benefit of this in my first semester here!
2) Music is a gift from God.
Psalm 96 "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day."
This knowledge keeps me joyfully rooted in my identity, particularly as I realise more and more how unsatisfying music can be (think of the unsuccessful audition, the less-than-perfect performance, hours alone in a practice room etc). I'm so grateful for this perspective.
