hey,
I've been playing the trumpet for about 6 months (give or take a couple of months-maybe 8 months is more accurate if I'm being honest here!)...but recently I just really feel like quitting.

Should I quit?

My reasons for quitting are:
1) It is a very CUMBERSOME instrument and I do not always enjoy my walks to and from work when I have to carry it with me.

2) It has created some FRICTION between my neighbours and myself. The wife of the neighbouring family is suffering from a sore back (I won't go into the details of how she hurt it but lets just say that it involved a lot of easter eggs) and is often at home recovering. She has expressed her dislike of hearing the TRUMPET through the wall. She especially dislikes it when I chant the beat before playing.

3) I find the music quite basic as there are only THREE notes on the trumpet

My reasons for continuing are:
1) Carrying it to work improves my FITNESS

2) I feel like it makes me a more INTERESTING person when I say I play the trumpet instead of saying " I watch tv in my spare time"

3) the trumpet is aesthetically PLEASING in my living room

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks very much
Bernie

What do you mean there are only three notes on the trumpet?? The trumpet can play every note within a range of 3 octaves!!!

Interesting. None of your reasons seem particularly compelling, one way or the other!

Btw, I think you'll find a trumpet has a few more than three notes. Three valves, perhaps.

Do you enjoy playing the trumpet? If no, quit; if yes, don't quit. Simple!

Unless you add 'I enjoy playing it' on to your list for continuing then forget it now.

P.S. I met someone last week who said thay used to be able to play 4 octaves on the Trumpet - but as the hadn't played for several years they could now only do about 3. Where they pulling the wool over my eyes?

I've never thought of the trumpet as a cumbersome instrument - perhaps it is your case that is heavy/bulky? You could get a lightweight gig bag instead.

About twenty years ago I used to play the cello but gave up after six months of taking it on the bus to school plus a 20 minute walk to lessons........ a trumpet is surely much more portable!

BTW I thought you played violin? Did the neighbour object to that too?
I would like to know more about the Easter Egg incident

I hope this is a serious post ?? You can buy a practice mute wthich cuts out 90% of the sound.

Somehow I think this is a joke, if you've been playing the trumpet for 8 months you would realise it has more than 3 notes!

have a look at the other posts from this one, guys...

Deleted.

This has made me laugh a lot. Even if it's not a serious post!!!

I think you should carry on playing - the trumpet is the coolest instrument in the world and you immediately look cool when holding one.

And yes, trumpets are very aesthetically pleasing, particularly if you get a nice silver plated Schilke.

It is possible to have a four octave range on the trumpet, especially when taking into account pedal notes. Not many people have a four octave range though, that would assume going down to pedal C and up to super C. Most people would be pretty happy with a 3 octave range. There's not much music that would require more than that.

Give it another month - 'til it's April 1st

Then ask again

Yup, I think Melody Amour is right....

Nice one, Bernie!

I do not believe anything this guy has ever posted.

He is just out to wind you all up.

Cumbersome = double bass, if you want portability try the piccolo, that will seriously annoy the neighbours!

You need to get out more, that will make you more interesting.

Add enjoyment to your list

3 notes in 8 months GIVE UP NOW, and i am not suprised the neighbour is irritated.

Buy a picture for aesthetic reasons and sell the trumpet.

OH ULTIMATELY its your decision!!!

Hello and thankyou to those of you that have given me some very useful advice.

Yes, I am aware that the trumpet itself is not too CUMERSOME. However, as SueHM pointed out the case is rather BULKY. You see, when I told my friend I was looking to buy a trumpet I described to hm some of the deals on offer including one that I was MOST interested in- a trumpet and trumpet case in an all inclusive deal (let's not talk about prices here! Send me an email if you want to hear more about where you can get such a deal ). However on hearing this he hastily said " DO NOT GO AHEAD WITH THIS DEAL. DO NOT SIGN THAT CONTRACT" (please note that I am aware that there is no contract to sign..but my friend is not so well informed musically). When I enquired as to why not he told me that he had a spare trumpet case in his possession which he would give me (practically) free of charge. He delivered it to my house the following afternoon but alas it was in fact a tuba case. This particular friend of mine does not take criticism well and had been having a difficult time in his social life...he is also somewhat of an idol to me so I did not want to point out his error. Unfortunately we both walk the same way to work so I have been forced to carry the trumpet in the tuba case ever since.

As for the 3 notes FIASCO, I apologise for my error. I should not have taken my anger out in such a way. I can only apologise. I am aware that more notes are POSSIBLE...my intention was to express my PERSONAL difficulties in playing a range of notes. I prefer to FOCUS on making the three notes that I can play more and more beautiful with each practice.

For those of you who asked if I enjoy playing, I suggest a more thorough reading of my original post. You will find that there are ASPECTS of playing which I enjoy (fitness, interesting, pleasing) yet other aspects which I don't enjoy ( cumbersome, friction, three {lets not get into this one again!!!!})

I was surprised to see a number of people did not think that I was being serious in my post! I was genuinely looking for some advice. sorry for any confusion.

I still have not come to a decision. Any more advice?

Do you enjoy the sound of the trumpet? Are you particularly drawn to trumpet when you listen to music performances? I think you have to love the instrument and its music in the first place. I wonder if you do, because you haven't mentioned that you do. It's a very elementary requirement to carry on playing the instrument.

By the way, you could also consider chinese calligraphy. It trains your posture and stance, makes you an interesting person, and also brightens up the walls of your room. It is also quiet, and allows you to write the same words over and over again, if you are a perfectionist. I am not joking here, it might serve your purpose too.

A trumpet in a tuba case?

Im not really sure personally, only you know if it is right. But if youve learnt 3 notes in 8 months, id say it isnt for your, maybe try something else?

I don't care if you're serious or not but this had me in stiches . I take it the Tuba case doesn't have wheels?

Seriously drop Trumpet and get a Bari Sax. Can't wait to tell my trumpet playing friend this

I had a giggle at this too, not sure keeping it a tuba case will do it much good, as it rattles around, good percussion affect I suppose. Do you like dints?

I cant believe that anyone sells instruments these days without protective case of some discription, anyone else experienced this??

Yes.

I just know that I'm going to get in trouble over this. I can see myself rolling aruund the floor laughing tomorrow when I see a Tuba case being wheeled to the car. I'll have to try and be serious as the person thinks I'm quite mad as it is.

make sure you ask to see if its a tuba or a trumpet he is got in there



I pressume you were saying yes to my post about cases is it common practice all instruments i have ever bought have come with case of some discription even my cheap recorder!! Daylight robbery if you ask me

You think I'm going up to someone who's braces I normally twang and ask to see his Trumpet?!!!!

It's common practice to sell A clarinets without a case. I think they assume you will need to buy a double case, as it would be very unusual to have an A without a Bb clarinet. Annoying that they seem to charge the same for an A with no case as for a Bb with nice case, but I suppose the A is slightly bigger!

Just thought I would leave a word of wisdom for those of you who have been conned by the " you HAVE to buy a case if you buy an instrument" classic.

It is possible to buy the instrument (ALONE) without the case. You may have to have connections, you may have to be determined, you may have to use mild verbal abuse...whatever the method, make sure that you know that it is POSSIBLE and NEVER give up on it.


On another note, RE: sjc "do you like dints?"...actually i don't ( see reason no. 3 for continuing playing and I think you will understand why!). For anyone in a similar situation who is looking to avoid damage to their instrument when it is in a tuba case, here is some advice.

1)Firstly cover the inner sides of the case in cotton wool
2)Then buy as much bubble wrap as you can find and cover trumpet (note:also works with other instruments. Have not however tried with a STRINGED instrument so cannot accept any responsibility if this method is not effective in a stringed instrument)
3) Find/buy some stuffed animals and place in case (animal type does not matter.
4)place some CLEAN clothes in case

This all aims to CUSHION the instrument and will ensure that it is kept in top condish. If anyone wants me to send them an illustrated diagram of this method please let me know.

Hope this helps
Bern

Well, it's certainly brightened up my day!

(do you have a dog called Corneil by any chance? )

Please may I have an illustrated diagram?

I will treat this post as being serious even if some of the others won't.

Ratty puts on serious face. (That's the best that I can do at the moment.)


First of al I would like to offer you my congratulations on taking up such a fantastic instrument. I hope that you do not have a shy and retiring personality because it may not be the best choice for you if so. There are ways of becoming more outgoing if it is a problem; I would suggest that you attempt the following, in no particular order.

Stand in the centre isle of your local supermarket and sing Gluck. Do not sing in a timid, refined manner suited to the late Baroque however but in a full voice with a nicely set up larynx. Keep your leading notes good and sharp and don't augment too many of those difficult intervals.

Get thee to a fancy dress hire shop and see if you can get an animal suit in your size. Then, wearing said suit, you can accost complete strangers in the high street and ask them anything that you want, and the cheekier the better. Pm our esteemed Forumite Holz Gedeckt for suggestions if your imagination is lacking.

Go to the next concert in your area and take your trumpet. When they are performing a piece that you enjoy be upstanding, trumpet in hand, and attempt to join in. Playing with a symphony orchestra is a wonderful experience and you may not have the opportunity again, even. Grab it when you can.

Lastly the problem of the case:

A tuba case will not do at all, even if padded with cushions.
Get yourself some good strong twine, bailer twine from the local agricultural supplier is best, and ask a local Granny to knit you a loose weave string bag for it. It will fit around its curves nicely and will be far easier to carry. In wet weather you will need to line the string bag and may I suggest that you get a few watertight bags from your local butcher for the purpose.

I would try to add a fourth note to your artillery soon. We would not want you to become tired of music making because of a lack of basic tools. Five notes would be even better but would take up a lot of your time. Please keep us informed of your progress and we will keep a look out for you on Crimewatch.

Alternatively, you could call in at the Forum DIY store - I've just taken delivery of some special "Shrink-to-Fit" instrument cases - simply wrap you instrument in the sheet provided, place in a hot oven for 2 minutes and bingo - bespoke hard case. Saw in two, add hinges, fastener and handle (available form our accessories department) and you are ready to go. Furry linings are optional. You can decorate the exterior in an unsuitable manner.

may be one of these would be more suitable http://www.tomandwill.com/results.asp?cat=...CFcST3wod8SGslQ then you could tell your uneducated friend you were taking up hiking, going on holiday or going to the gym perhaps I am sure he wouldnt know the difference. You can always say the times of your lessons have changed, no need then to explain his mistake about the obvious size difference btw trumpet and tuba.

I'll lend him a dog to go with the soft toys

Hilarious!! Can you see him arriving at work and a mate wanting to have a go on his trumpet Just wait til I find it

You would need shares in Boots for this solution have you seen how big cotton balls are?








Awww wouldnt a bag for life do!!

I have good news RE: my decision. I have decided to continue playing the trumpet as my fore mentioned neighbours have today announced they are moving to Germany (please note that the move is not related to the trumpet playing). This means that there are now only 2 reasons to stop and 3 reasons to continue!

here's a resolution to another issue: put it in a trumpet case!

http://s658.photobucket.com/albums/uu310/b...urrent=tuba.jpg

hope this helps

Thanks Bernie, that's very insightful.

Love it. Could you design something similar for me to fit my piccolo into a cello case?

Surely it would be better for him to design you something to enable you to fit the piccolo into your harp cover (or whatever the English word for "housse" is).

Awwwww ... and I thought we were going to see a REAL picture ........ any chance? Is the bubble wrap the stuff with the tiny bubbles or the big bubbles?

I need a new cover/bag for my harp and am wondering if I can use any ideas here.

Elizabeth

You Cannot be serious!!! I had a go on my uncles trumpet and I'd never played before and even then I managed to get 6 notes out of it! Me thinks you jest? If you dont find it fun- give it up! Its as simple as that

I'm waiting for the moment when the tuba gets put in the trumpet case...

I am definitely thinking that even popping it in a plastic bag and carrying it under your arm would be easier that all that bother ........?

E

you would need a metal/car crusher and a crow bar!! wonder if it would play 8 notes instead of 3

Imagine my joy at finding another Bernie post

Bernie I have a wall that I want a 6 foot by 5 foot picture on. That image of the tuba case is quality can I use it?