I have been playing the trumpet for may years now, but I still have the problem of a lack of confidence. I got to grade 6 and gave up with exams. I still want to improve my playing, but am not sure where I'm going!! Any suggestions, please help?

Hi Alex, have you thought about playing trumpet in a different genre? Jazz or Blues, its not all about exams and grades. Try and remember why you learned to play the trumpet in the first place, for fun. Learning can be experencial and not dependant on grades which are ultimately just bits of paper, some of the best players i know have never taken a graded exam in their entire lives so find a local group you like the sound of and join. Failing that you can aquire loads of Minus one backing Books and CD's in all sorts of styles from Classical to Ska.

Hey Alex,

I know exactly where you're coming from because I've gone thru the same thing. Like the other reply says, find stuff you really enjoy playing because if you really want to learn it you'll put more effort into it and it'll sound great in the end! Plus, if you've got mates who are musical try getting together and jamming. It'll get you used to playing in front of people, but in a fun environment.

Hope that helps!

Find some other players who are lack of confindence and play together. Big confidence built up by many small confidence.

Hey Alex

I agree with all of the above replies. Forget about grades for the moment. Six is good enough for lots of things. Explore the trumpet!!