As 2002 draws to a close and 2003 begins, it is the perfect time to reflect on where I am as a player and what goals I have in mind for the new year.

I am fairly pleased with my accomplishments so far.  March 2003 will mark 2 years behind the horn and I have noticed small improvements in all aspects of my playing.  While my range, tone, dexterity and reading are not even CLOSE to where I strive to be – the recordings show that I’ve done some good.  I have also joined a community band which was my primary goal for the year.  I had one performance during the summer that was standout where I played the 3rd trumpet part alone and helped my section (and band) sound great.  I hope to make that a regular thing in 2003.

I have new goals:

• Improve in all aspects of my playing.  Up till now I’ve focused on being a good JAZZ trumpet player.  I spoke with a friend of mine who is also learning to play trumpet.  He gave me advice that will be my theme for the new year.  My focus will be on the technical studies of the trumpet like long tones, lip slurs, articulation, scales and more music theory.  In the past I have had practices where I lost focus and do not use my time to the utmost.  I plan to steer clear of that in 2003.  I need to move playing trumpet to the top of my list.  Playing jazz trumpet will come in time.  Thanks G!
  
•  Learn all my major and minor scales (and MORE if time allows).  I want to learn them backwards and forwards so they are automatic.  Up till now I’ve been terrible at practicing them.  Instead of grabbing the Aebersold books I’ll grab my new scale book and work from that once my technical studies are complete.  Scales are the building blocks of what I want to accomplish and a language that I MUST learn fluently.
• Play solos at Church.  I need more playing opportunities so I’m hoping to play solos at my church.  Even if it’s only one Sunday a month or every two months I think I could greatly benefit from playing on my own with accompaniment.
• Learn basic chords on the piano.  This isn’t extremely high on my priority list but I would like to be able to play basic major and minor chords on the piano.  Perhaps learn the chords in conjunction with the scales that I learn.

There you have it!  My goals for 2003!  I would highly suggest that you make the same goals for your playing and strive to accomplish them.  As I’ve said before – record yourself playing.  Listen to those recordings and use that as a reference to what you need to work on.

I wish everyone the best for 2003!  May you find happiness and success in all that you do!