Am I on the right track to becoming a professional trumpet player?

I'm 14 years old and a freshman in hish school. I've played since I was 11.


I've been to Solo and Ensemble festival both last year and this year, last year I played a song out of the trumpet stars book called Mira by Vandercook. I took that solo and auditioned for the top band in the state and made it. However, I was last chair.


Over the summer, I took another trumpet star solo, Rigel to a local international program and made principal trumpet of their top band, falling short of the orchestra because I was too young


This year, I took Andante and Alegretto by Balay to Districts and did just as well as last year. Today, I took that solo to states and was the only freshman in my room to get a one. My judge told me that I'm ready for the Hummel Mov. 1.


I practice hard, not as well as I could, but I play a lot. I work out my Arban and Clarke and I have a fabulous teacher.


I really want to be a pro and go to a nice music school. Am I on the right track? What can I do to improve?

Am I on the right track to becoming a professional trumpet player?
it's a breath taking question dude.


I dont know
Reply:My friend, I know how you feel. I've been striving to be a musician too. I've actually dabbled in a little bit of trumpet as well. The pieces you're playing are very impressive. I'm not exaggerating that your skill and practicing on that will lead you to great achievements in music.





However, you have to remember that you should study lots of different types of music to be a pro. Regurgitating music put in front of you by a teacher will make you good... learning everything you can will make you pro.





Especially for trumpet, get some jazz into you. Learn how to improvise, be a part of a jazz band... Think about it. How many classical style trumpeters can the common man name? And then how many jazz trumpeters?





Besides, I've always thought jazz was fun. Enjoy the style, and become the next Miles Davis.
Reply:Just a note for you - Good choice of instruments. Trumpet is in high demand all the time in every kind of gig. Jazz, classical, shows, rock bands, you name it. You're going to be more employed than us guitarists.


Don't forget to check out the Cleveland Institute of Music, where the principal trumpet of the greatest orchestra in the world teaches. (Cleveland Orchestra)
Reply:Sounds like you are on the right track. Play play play. Join all the extra groups you can- school, state, jazz band, ensembles, etc. Keep doing all the solos you can and try to push yourself by doing something that is challenging to you. Good luck.
Reply:Learn music theory, ear training, and music history, maybe jazz theory as well since trumpets play a key role in that genre. Constantly work on your technique. Aim to get into a top music school, and for studying with the best teachers. The "Musical Ivy league" consists of Juilliard, Jacobs School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Curtis Institute, Cincinnati Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, New England Conservatory, and Oberlin Conservatory - US Schools. If you are British, top schools in the UK are: any of the Royal Academies of Music, Royal Northern School of Music in Manchester, and Oxford University.





Never give it up, as hard as it is now and hard as it will get, it is so worth it in the end. You may want to consider a dual degree in Music Performance and Music Education. It is always wise to know how to teach your instrument. Or you could do Performance/Theory and Musicology. Whatever suits you best.





Remember always aim too high. You may miss, but if you aim too low, you will hit hard.
Reply:Take private lessons with the best teacher in your area that you can afford. If the trumpet player in a nearby major orchestra are known as good teachers this should be your first choice. With 200 to 300 professionals auditioning for every one position you need to have someone who teaches you not only how to play but how to take auditions. Buy orchestra excerpt books and parts and practice them in addition to your solo repertoire. As others have said do get a college degree and listen to orchestra music live whenever you can.


Sounds like you have the drive to make it!
Reply:It sounds like you're on the right track! Many conservatories such as Julliard and Manhattan School of Music in NYC have Saturday programs for middle and high school students. This is probably one of the best ways to become known. You may also consider taking a private lesson with a university professor. They can also direct you in what you should be doing. Audition for regional and all state ensembles and perform with your local youth orchestras and community bands. In order to become a better performer it is very important that you listen to recordings of famous musicians and have a basic understanding of music theory and ear training. Keep practicing, taking lessons and playing in as many groups as you can. And remember to have other interests outside of music for balance.
Reply:Yes you are definitely doing pretty much everything you can. Just don't do so much that you are burnt out by the time you graduate from High school. Make sure you still make time for fun, friends, and relaxing!! Life in general! I was a music major in college, so I am a professional singer. Get a degree in trumpet performance at a good university, and make sure you make connections with people you want to maybe work with, or people that can help you get gigs. College should help you make tons of connections. Good Luck, and its so nice to hear about excited young people who want to be musicians!