Trent Austin Mini-Lesson #35: Valves, Valves, VALVES!

In this mini Lesson Trent discusses some tips and tricks to work on better trumpet (well all brass instruments frankly) valve technique:
POUND THOSE VALVES!
Don't be lazy!
0:40 Keep your pinky finger out of the "octave key."
1:14 Avoid flat, floppy fingers.
1:47 Practice technical studies with your left hand.
2:30 Take the finger buttons off and practice right on the stems.
3:03 Practice Clarke every day. Vary your rhythmic choices.
4:18 Know Thy Tempo. What's the fastest tempo you can play cleanly? Always try to improve.
One reason I play Adams is because I love the valves: www.austincust...
Have a trumpet question or topic suggestion? Post in the comments of email [e-mail] and I might address it in a future mini-lesson!
Austin Custom Brass is one of the world's premier brass pro shops. We routinely have hundreds of instruments in stock. If you are looking for something in particular please let us know via email at [e-mail] or call 781-944-6247 or 816-410-0826 today!
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[@austincustom]

Have some video suggestions for us? Post them here and we'll gladly consider them!

[@dachanist]

Something that works for me that I think more players should do is practicing and trying to sound good.

[@christophervivestrumpet7565]

The left hand is one of the few techniques told out there and it does work amazing

[@trumpetman]

Thank you again for these lessons. Things I haven't thought about since college! My fingers have slacked a little because of an embouchure change and trying to get the face working again. This really helps now that I've got things going again.

[@pmolnar6526]

This was amazing Trent I am going to incorporate this in my practice now! I have a double jointed pinky so its independent and my ring and middle are connected and it makes it very tricky. But the idea to take the valve caps off, to focus on the tempo! I love these! Thank you Trent!

[@paulgrimm6850]

You are my source of knowledge

[@robertthomas6022]

Clark 1-5 daily ! Thank You !!

[@jonthomas8487]

One thing I was taught is to put my pinky on top of the pinky hold. When I started I would grip it on that side and limit my action. Being used to not holding the weight in that side I can put my pinky in the loop now

[@Dave_Herrick]

That tricky octave key.... even tricked Trent a bit there eh? :D The other nasty thing about it is the unbalanced pressure on the chops. It messed me up for a long time where I didn't quite realize what was going on, creating sore spots and such.

[@MihaiSorohan]

Awesome ideas!

[@OscarRurzagasti]

genial!!

[@chambersj731]

Hi Trent I'm thinking of getting back into playing after like 25-30 years off lol. What method would you suggest for starting again? And what light weight pocket trumpet or starter trumpet would you recommend. Thanks

[@austincustom]

Please give us a call at 816-410-0826 and we can discuss all options that we have in the store for you. It would be far easier and more efficient if you just give us a buzz We open up at 10:00 Thank you

[@danielbeggan8024]

I had a gap of 40 yrs, picked it up did a good bit of practice, joined a band and never looked back. Started back on an Olds Ambassador and when I got to play average got a Recording and again, haven't looked back. I feel that Trent will keep you right for the comeback. Hope it works out for you.

[@DraxDomax]

what is the thread of Bach Strad Trumpet Valve Stem ? Thanks

[@jambajoby32]

Instead of the stem, playing on dimes will work!

[@paulgrimm6850]

Buy a Getzen

[@MrStarbor]

Nice guy … but what was it?

[@austincustom]

What is what?