WindWorks Trumpet Academy by Mystery to Mastery | eric | Activity https://mysterytomastery.com/member-profile/eric-sumner/activity/ Activity feed for eric. Sun, 12 Apr 2026 17:16:36 +1000 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-AU 30 hourly 2 f396175f22b26d9065d707d408979a3c eric replied to the topic Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/muscle-tension-dysphonia/#post-80214 Thu, 13 May 2021 00:31:16 +1000 Thank you, John

]]> a4f09eddcdf8c23281dd6215adaced04 eric replied to the topic Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/muscle-tension-dysphonia/#post-79859 Sat, 08 May 2021 19:11:37 +1000 Thank you all for the encouragement. I truly believe in the WindWorks method, and I know that what I am trying to achieve with WindWorks is possible. I’m still uncertain how to approach a true embouchure rather than a pedal MmmAhhOoo shape, i.e. how to make the transition to the real instrument. If anyone has links to photos or videos…[Read more]

]]> 09baf57ef35b0eed736b1dfac1d1433e eric replied to the topic Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/muscle-tension-dysphonia/#post-79162 Sat, 01 May 2021 23:34:47 +1000 Okay, here’s an update. It has been more than 18 months. I have been through physical therapy, speech therapy, and I even did some Alexander technique lessons. I learned that I was living in the end of expiration and never inhaling a full breath. Therefore I was constantly compressing the ribs and body just even to speak. It took significant…[Read more]

]]> 5d1b63a11af4122daf95751571eada09 eric replied to the topic [MUST READ!!!] Am I the only dummy? in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/am-i-the-only-dummy/#post-52967 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:06:31 +1000 Thank you, andykyle, for posting here. Your post reminded me of this posted conversation, and I read it again. I also watched the aperture corner development video again. When I repeated the exercises just now with two fingers and then with a single finger between the teeth, I notice some pressure on the fingers from the center of each lip,…[Read more]

]]> d9ff279b7d62cded1f8a8c94abc61d0f eric replied to the topic The Physics of "you don't need to blow harder" in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/the-physics-of-you-dont-need-to-blow-harder/#post-48407 Sat, 18 Apr 2020 02:29:19 +1000 Thank you for a very educational post, tandeitnik. Do you have any comments about the physics of resonance, the body’s concert hall, etc? What happens when the neck/throat, tongue/mouth, chest wall, and other muscles engage with too much tension? Eric

]]> 8cabbb10a228807d60975e98dd3bb340 eric replied to the topic Leadpipe exercise. Any comments on this routine? in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/leadpipe-exercise-any-comments-on-this-routine/#post-43055 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 15:24:11 +1100 Thanks for posting the video. His sound is amazing, and I agree that he looks relaxed.

However, as the pitch increases so does his volume suggesting more support than passive release and perhaps a more synthetic oscillation. Although these exercises may be a future goal when the Windworks concepts are solidified, for those of us enrolled in a…[Read more]

]]> 3a5a4bae7c910ec6a8b44868d856e5bb eric replied to the topic Practice routine in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/practice-routine/#post-40766 Thu, 09 Jan 2020 20:54:07 +1100 I am an amateur comeback player still in the Largo status stage, and music is not my first career. I do the WindWorks exercises every day as my warm-up. I begin with the visualizer and tissue and then progress to the mouthpiece and leadpipe. I spend a few minutes on a stand alone leadpipe, and then I play my trumpet leadpipe by removing the…[Read more]

]]> 1364f09b288d73278184f56fd0f1592a eric replied to the topic Biting the inside of my lip in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/biting-the-inside-of-my-lip/#post-37572 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:58:19 +1100 I’m sorry to hear this is an issue, Stan. It has been a while, but it has happened to me several times. I have bitten the lips and the cheeks. I realized that it is most likely to happen to me when eating in a hurry and/or eating while distracted. Chewing gum has caused it before as well especially while talking with gum in my mouth. I…[Read more]

]]> b9f382cd03f563f0f04c02bb24cf55f4 eric started the topic Muscle Tension Dysphonia in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/muscle-tension-dysphonia/ Sun, 20 Oct 2019 23:11:59 +1100 I have a bit of a long story, but hopefully it can help another. There are videos and posts about dystonia, but I want to introduce a new term called dysphonia, specifically muscle tension dysphonia. Some definitions first:
– Dystonia – a movement disorder caused by intermittent or sustained muscle contractions which lead to abnormal and r…[Read more]

]]> a28837efe834e59a0299bbafa3298478 eric replied to the topic Do you like the WindWorks Course? in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/do-you-like-the-windworks-course/#post-32056 Wed, 18 Sep 2019 16:40:29 +1000 Some of the recent and best forum threads have many comments. Would you and others find it more helpful to have each thread listed in reverse chronological order to prevent the need for scrolling to the bottom each time?

]]> c9b90426b84fcf966443bcdc783f3a70 eric replied to the topic Proper Pressure in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/proper-pressure/#post-31934 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 12:08:13 +1000 I’m not a FH player, but I think too little pressure mouthpiece to lip would result in a weak, airy sound with air leakage around the lips. If you do not have this sound and have a strong, resonant sound, enjoy the feeling of freedom I am working toward.

]]> 1a327a321c7dac0856a1853375065481 eric replied to the topic Push the main tuning slide in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/push-the-main-tuning-slide/#post-31729 Thu, 12 Sep 2019 17:55:50 +1000 This sounds like a tighter system was leading to sharper notes that have now flattened with relaxation by working through the course. I interpret this to be good news.

]]> 030c0d8e76cdb23affd7a68d36dc26e2 eric replied to the topic Bookmark for lessons in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/bookmark-for-lessons/#post-31268 Thu, 05 Sep 2019 14:58:27 +1000 The green boxes work well for the first go ’round. I like to return to old sections such as some favorite videos in the Largo series which I am watching again now for the >10th time. Having a bookmark for old favorites or a bookmark for a subsequent round through the course would be a nice addition if it is an option.

]]> 5870687f291a6f9e478e5749feb6814b eric replied to the topic Air behind the lips in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/air-behind-the-lips/#post-29483 Sat, 17 Aug 2019 12:53:35 +1000 Thank you for the reply, Francis. Deconditioning bad habits is remarkably tough work!

]]> e1cddbb800687c37799db0d6b2cca8cb eric started the topic Air behind the lips in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/air-behind-the-lips/ Wed, 07 Aug 2019 01:58:32 +1000 I feel like I have been making tremendous progress just sticking with the basics in the Largo stage. I keep watching the videos, and I seem to notice things missed previously. My range is still low, but the sound is so much better.

What I am noticing is the feeling that the lips are vibrating more freely. However, I also feel small volumes of…[Read more]

]]> c2fe7f98c0bb1d4329a3dc800b210170 eric replied to the topic Is it active to play ppp? in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/is-it-active-to-play-ppp/#post-24429 Sun, 02 Jun 2019 13:13:32 +1000 I just watched this video, and I saw increased tension in some of the exercises. There is a red face, flared neck, and just the overall appearance of tension. It is worse with the louder notes. Is this just a reflection of tight corners and support? This is how I feel when playing much lower notes 🙂

]]> b78b02336b9b7d0b31f4e1dbd6d94ef6 eric replied to the topic Ahhh hah! in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/ahhh-hah/#post-24188 Mon, 27 May 2019 19:59:46 +1000 Thanks for this post, wild_flower32. I recently discovered that I was also closing my jaw significantly, and I think it is related to my pronunciation. This is an international website, and others may have this same issue based on your language and accent.

When I sang “mmm… ahh… ooh,” I was pronouncing the “ooh” with a sound like the…[Read more]

]]> e398026eff06babbffdf2c39e8d22a47 eric started the topic Synthetic or sympathetic in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/synthetic-or-sympathetic/ Sat, 20 Apr 2019 17:12:52 +1000 In the lead pipe-shape revisited video, there is another video referenced called “synthetic or sympathetic.“ Where can this video or audio be found? Is it under a different name? Also, in the same lead pipe-shape video there is mention of a Midwest clinic lecture called “dispelling brass playing myths.“ Is this material also available?

]]> 3a06f0e2afccbd1086753eeb32257faa eric replied to the topic Active sound in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/active-sound/#post-21352 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 10:42:58 +1000 Thanks, rwcarson11, for the reply. The article was helpful.

If you have ever seen an asthma or emphysema attack, you know that these accessory muscles work on exhalation. I do not know if the chest tightness I feel with the active exercises is related to intercostal contraction or something else, but it is real.

The key is the question about…[Read more]

]]> 3f8a00f7cf28a5cb6799f3ea96f36bca eric started the topic Active sound in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/active-sound/ Sat, 06 Apr 2019 14:10:49 +1100 Thanks again, Greg, for such a great course. I am having tremendous improvement over time. I have a question for you and the forum.

I do notice tightening that happens when playing active notes in the singing C series. For example, on the active steps where crescendo or maintenance of volume is required, I feel tightening in the neck and…[Read more]

]]> c166757da95ca1c0e6d8f1778247e38b eric replied to the topic Visualizer POD? in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/visualizer-pod/#post-19522 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 01:42:57 +1100 Cool thing just happened. I was grilling outside and practicing my breathing. The air temperature where I live is cold enough to see the breath. I grabbed the visualizer, mouthpiece, and lead pipe, and I took them outside. It was good to actually see the breath besides the tissue’s indirect motion. I can see that I really did need to move the m…[Read more]

]]> 04176a0d1174cbd9964006016d184408 eric replied to the topic Visualizer POD? in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/visualizer-pod/#post-18224 Mon, 18 Feb 2019 15:10:38 +1100 It has been a month since this post. I have been marinating in the largo stage since that time. I have watched the fundamental videos again and again. The progress has been slow, but it has been significant, better sound, more relaxation. The mouthpiece has been moved down as noted above, and this change has helped. Yes, the mouthpiece wants to…[Read more]

]]> 3f119447c556e9a645c8b9745b94c25d eric started the topic Visualizer POD? in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/visualizer-pod/ Mon, 14 Jan 2019 00:40:28 +1100 With more careful observation, I am noticing a possible POD with the visualizer, and I need some help. Without the visualizer and with the tissue, the tissue moves as it does in the videos with the slingshot. As soon as I place the visualizer on the lips, the tissue moves only slightly. I can feel the air scatter in all directions especially…[Read more]

]]> 75c704cf8a9d8bebc303e3557ead3a9b eric replied to the topic Presto F..progress chart in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/presto-f-progress-chart/#post-15112 Sat, 05 Jan 2019 01:06:33 +1100 I don’t look at the website on an iPad, but I do view it on an iPhone. I have much better success using Chrome, and I was able to pull up the progress chart mentioned above with Google Chrome on an iPhone.

]]> 69c142d0b9843dd0b972f732e82cc0cb eric replied to the topic Hands shake terribly after surgery in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/hands-shake-terribly-after-surgery/#post-14701 Sat, 29 Dec 2018 02:25:53 +1100 I am sorry to hear about the struggles, and I pray that things get better soon. Talking with your physician on Monday seems like the best option. Some of what you describe could be muscle deconditioning from disuse during the recovery from the level of the abdominal core to the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hands. All of the above may be involved.…[Read more]

]]> bcfaca8e76154f73fcb27d50cf917f1e eric started the topic The Tongue in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/the-tongue/ Thu, 20 Dec 2018 00:04:53 +1100 Where can we find more instruction with respect to the tongue? With harmonic slurs by tightening aperture corners, I can arch the tongue and produce one more harmonic without pushing or tightening elsewhere. This tongue information would be a helpful conversation/video to have in the course as early as possible with respect to range, tone,…[Read more]

]]> 65d6f1f5bca4a2a6eecf52af25f498d1 eric replied to the topic Backswing point of difference in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/backswing-point-of-difference/#post-12813 Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:57:29 +1100 Thanks everyone. After one week, it is clear that I was taking two large of a breath with the backswing which led to tension from the start. There has been some improvement this week for which I am grateful.

Wile having the magnifying glass out, I have noticed another issue right from the start. Greg, when you discuss placement of the visualizer…[Read more]

]]> 3d0a31b6186e3783b3b9dc6e8f878df8 eric replied to the topic Backswing point of difference in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/backswing-point-of-difference/#post-12421 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 00:06:01 +1100 To clarify, this happens with and without the horn.

]]> d2f87c46bb31e30ede67af3d3315cc59 eric started the topic Backswing point of difference in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/backswing-point-of-difference/ Sun, 25 Nov 2018 22:56:44 +1100 I am very excited that today I discovered that I have tension beginning as soon as the backswing. How about that for starting at the beginning! Anyway, at end-inspiration as the air transitions to the slingshot, i.e. that millisecond moment where the inspiratory volume reaches capacity and flow reverses, I discovered a catch, hiccup, choke, or…[Read more]

]]> 3797a24885fd59443cfc36387f97a892 eric replied to the topic Starting note shape in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/starting-note-shape/#post-11410 Sat, 10 Nov 2018 23:03:13 +1100 To clarify, I can play up to these notes by slurring from low C without the tension, I just have so much tension starting there. I know this is a point of difference, but I’m not sure how to approach it. Notes such as middle staff C and D.

]]> 3f9fccc59fedd9f8a8d3dd8d8b8a8768 eric started the topic Starting note shape in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/starting-note-shape/ Sat, 10 Nov 2018 22:30:23 +1100 Let me start by saying that this information may come later, and if so, please point me in the right direction.

So far through all stages of the course I have viewed, all exercises begin on low C. When away from the course material and actually playing music, starting on higher notes becomes difficult. I find that setting the corners for a note…[Read more]

]]> e95e42a6f6bae3159fc505bd4d063d70 eric replied to the topic Keeping teeth apart in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/keeping-teeth-apart/#post-11369 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 22:22:07 +1100 The straw or maybe even the leadpipe itself sounds like a smarter option than my gum/candy idea. Thanks!

]]> 8ab72e1e4fb123b790577d7182a5a603 eric replied to the topic Keeping teeth apart in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/keeping-teeth-apart/#post-11329 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 11:58:04 +1100 I’ve been experimenting with breathing while holding a piece of gum or hard candy balanced on the tongue and not touching the palate. These cannot be backswing breaths due to the risk of aspiration, but rather just slow inhalation and exhalation to get the feeling of openness. Take out the candy/gum for a backswing breath for safety. Like you, I s…[Read more]

]]> 04aced01e58e25217921fc0d5429d512 eric replied to the topic Corners with visualizer in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/corners-with-visualizer/#post-10705 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 22:43:00 +1100 Great advice. Thanks

]]> 574c6c7869bcfe548d3d6a22d32185ee eric started the topic Corners with visualizer in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/corners-with-visualizer/ Sun, 28 Oct 2018 18:54:59 +1100 I have been practicing today, and I had a thought/request. I am still working on keeping everything open on inhalation and exhalation, and I am still trying to discover the aperture corners. I think the goal of pitch change is an open body (BCH) with changes at the aperture corners, tightening for ascending notes and loosening for descending…[Read more]

]]> 30693ac0e432f13fbed0b25bdb4c2100 eric started the topic Pedal tones in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/pedal-tones/ Sun, 28 Oct 2018 16:56:39 +1100 I tend to struggle with closing of the throat leading to unrelaxed and restricted air movement with passive reduction. I can play low notes (staff G and below) very well with a free and ringing sound, however ascension leads to feelings of clamping in the neck/throat with expected changes in the sound. I wonder, Greg, if there is any role for…[Read more]

]]> bf9e89265627f63b84de6370c55fabe7 eric replied to the topic Keeping teeth apart in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/keeping-teeth-apart/#post-10531 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 12:20:21 +1100 I want to put this thread back at the top, because I am curious about other comments.

]]> da85203f694880937f38c59dfdbb9415 eric replied to the topic Internal pressure ??'s in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/internal-pressure-s/#post-10224 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:33:14 +1100 How do I find your podcasts?

]]> 2d120ae1c265740d05495dacd69e63db eric replied to the topic Many lemon in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/many-lemon/#post-10152 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 01:01:03 +1100 Im doing it right now, and I’m
noticing some points of difference!
🍋🍋🍋🍋

]]> 49e4f22ea61cfecfbac2b64b256734bd eric replied to the topic Many lemon in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/many-lemon/#post-10035 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 10:52:22 +1100 What a great lesson! Thanks! 🍋

]]> f1951b59b710c35d2588d8eae7a7fccb eric started the topic Many lemon in the forum WindWorks https://mysterytomastery.com/topic/many-lemon/ Sat, 20 Oct 2018 22:22:17 +1100 Thanks, Greg, for the wonderful course. I have found these videos to be illustrative and enlightening. I still struggle with range, but I am working on it, and my tone has improved significantly.

I decided to revisit some of the first instructional videos, and I highly recommend this review to members who have been working the course for a…[Read more]

]]> fddfb77400a2baf040443bd3d0157c30 eric's profile was updated https://mysterytomastery.com/activity/p/919/ Mon, 03 Sep 2018 14:18:06 +1000 0