This thought comes from part of a rant that I unloaded on my studio this semester:

Here’s an idea that has helped me break a plateau in my playing some time ago:

STOP ATTACHING EGO AND/OR SELF-WORTH TO YOUR TRUMPET PLAYING.  This means to not get angry if you’re not sounding like you want to on the horn on a particular day or be elated because you are sounding amazing in one session.  Still do your routine as best as you can and have faith in the process if it’s not happening that day…it’s not going to sound better every single day and some days will feel harder than others, but you should be working for an overall trend in improvement in sounding like the recordings you should be listening to and a greater ease/efficiency in all aspects of playing. (can’t play high if you’re forcing it or using pressure)

This also means stop comparing yourself to others, pushing attitude that creates drama around yourself or others, or vibing those more or less-experienced than you…basically anything that is manifested from your conscious or sub-conscious insecurity of knowing that you aren’t doing everything that you can or should’ve done to help improve your playing.  That stuff actually makes you and your playing appear worse and you will lose future professional contacts and/or friends.  There are several amazing musicians that I’ve considered having as guest soloists/clinicians in the future, but after meeting their ego in person, I will never subject my students to their self-indulgence.

Your happiness or bad mood should not be from trumpet playing…actually, just listen to that, it sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Be happy that you are given this amazing opportunity to be working on something the majority of people in this world will never have the chance to.

Good luck!