Sensation Drill

Trumpet and Ear Training

One of the biggest problems that all trumpet players face is that of missing the first note of a solo. If that note is above the normal range then the problem is magnified. The sensation drill ‘WILL’ solve this.

The sensation drill uses ear-training by making you play a series of unconnected notes. To improve the drill once you become familiar with it try playing every other note or play backwards from the end to the beginning.

As range permits the sensation drill ‘MUST’ be played an octave up to make you very secure in the upper register.

Great Ear Training Drill

Other things that will really help is taking a simple ear training course. Ear training is a skill that helps musicians identify sounds accurately without relying on an instrument. It allows you to recognize chords, intervals, and scales by ear, play music without needing sheet music, improve improvisation and songwriting skills.

There are many ear training courses online. Some are free and some not. Some are even college courses. My trumpet playing improved after taking ear training courses in college for music theory and composition.

Pops