Here we are, full of cheese and confused. Perhaps there is a light layer of dust on the horn from the holidays. WELL it is time to brush it off and get back at it.
The slow methodical build
This one is my favourites when I have time on my side. The idea behind it is to start in slow digestible chunks and focus on efficiency and the basics of sound production. It breaks down like this:
First session:
Buzzing with the mouthpiece, simple melodies, or the Jacobs exercises. (Use a tuner/drone, etc)
Easy long tones. 6 note exercise from Caruso is great here. (I like to use tonal energy with the pitch visualizer for stability)
Simple lip slurs, harmonics 4-5-6 in various configurations, but always adjacent. Do these with a BERP and on the horn. (did someone say metronome?)
Kopprasch no.2
Concone lyrical studies no.1
Second Session (we are only doing two today.)
Teuber no.1
Teuber 3a
Kopprasch - Pick a couple
Concone lyrical studies - Pick a couple
Improvise something, work off a lead sheet, etc.
Third Session (for after the first day, be aware how you feel don’t push to far to soon)
Long tones- Start on a G below treble clef, ascend with diminished arp. (G, Bb, Dd, E, etc.) Up until it stops being easy. Then descend with the same pattern all the way to the pedal range. (Same as session 1, drone/tuner/pitch visualizer etc)
Change the starting note each day, or do multiple reps changing the starting pitch.
Scales - be creative… if you need a systematic approach, set a timer for 20 minutes, grab the Schantl Scale book and start going, leave a bookmark, pick up from where you left off. (Great option for drone work). Another great option is the Modern Jazz Trumpet by Eric Bolvin.
Arbans - no. 16 - 27. Work up to playing them all twice, once tongued once slurred, various dynamics, do them in various registers as well.
Improvise something, work off a lead sheet, etc.
General note
This is sort of day one and a third session. Expand on the concepts working back to your regular approach/routines.
Start off with a practice mute for a few minutes, this can really help stay open and get the chops working.
BUZZ often, use a BERP, etc.
Focus on the basic mechanics, process over product.
Make sure to make use of practice tools, drones, etc. We want to get our ears back in the game as well.
Just some ideas. I think personally the important part is to get your feet back under you and not get out of the gate too soon. Read… don’t injure yourself.