Hi, Gary,

You are describing all too well the rollercoaster ride of the learning process. You got a feel for the direction you want to head, which is fantastic! It takes time for the brain and body to consistently produce what you experienced. As I continue to learn, you can’t force results or have expectations, and you can’t “make” desired…[Read more]

Hi, Jakob,

I agree with johnelwood that a Skype consult with Greg would be extremely helpful.

Something you might want to check is whether or not you are trying to force a result, such as playing with the mmmaahooh setting and/or keeping your jaw lowered. I’m not a medical professional, but have had some TMJ issues from playing in the past and…[Read more]

Hi, Peter,
So glad you connected with Greg and had a great lesson! Happy for you!

The reprogramming can be done, even in the most difficult of circumstances. YOU CAN DO THIS!! It takes continuous reinforcement, belief in the process, patience, deep work, non judgement and a burning desire to persist. I am learning these lessons myself…lots of…[Read more]

Hi, Peter,

I would encourage you to schedule a Skype session with Greg! He is a phenomenal teacher–so perceptive and insightful. Sometimes, we may think we’re doing one thing, and, in actuality, are doing something completely different. Greg’s course can require some very deep work that goes far beyond the exercises.

If it’s any encouragement,…[Read more]

Hi, Alan,

I’ve experienced unintentional vibrato when being put on the spot for a tuning note, only to be able to play it perfectly fine at home. I’ve also had playing situations where I was totally in the zone, playing in front of a mic in front of the band. Unfortunately, my discomfort with certain playing situations and the physical response…[Read more]

Bill,

In my experience, there will be “eureka” moments, but they may or may not be the final answer. Expecting to immediately repeat them can lead to disappointment and frustration. Staying emotionally detached from the highs and lows also helps, although I’m far from mastering this.

Interesting discussion about devices. I’ve collected more…[Read more]

Hi, Bill,
I really appreciate your willingness to put your thoughts and issues out there via video. Hope I will have the courage to do the same some day for the benefit of others.

I understand your continuing analysis and torment, and eagerness to force results. I’ve often had the same drive and approach. However, I’m finally getting to a point…[Read more]

John and wjtakacs,

I’ve been following your posts with interest. I had aspired to progress quite far with the horn, although I was a pianist first, and started on the horn in my late 40s. I’m currently dealing with some serious playing issues that seemed to build as I continued to play with too much tension, particularly with more challenging…[Read more]

I will be watching this one over and over…resonated with me at such a deep, emotional level. This is healthy playing psychology…this is healthy playing physiology…balance. Thank you for making this one (including the ocean :-), and the passion and effort you put into teaching and learning. This video should be shared far and wide. It will be…[Read more]

While I admire Charlie’s playing, I’ve learned that for me, this kind of thinking and suggestion of “buzzing tightness” or a “buzzing set” can be disastrous. For me, the amount of tension required to lip buzz when doing a “peel off” is considerably more than producing a note on the horn. I can’t imagine setting myself up to play that way. I have…[Read more]