Thanks yet again, John! I know what you mean about the “random” books of studies. I have many that I get about 4 bars into, then have to stop, lie down and think happy thoughts. I DO need some new music to play – I think we talked about familiar pieces triggering old habits earlier in this thread so getting my chops into something new will be good for me. Phil Collins seems as good a place as any to start.

So I think you’re saying I do need to tackle head on the types of music that challenge my technique (otherwise it’ll never get any better). I’ll do that going forwards, with some new repertoire and revised mindset.

I enjoyed that Jon Dante clip you posted. For quite a while I didn’t bother watching or listening to other trumpeters. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind, but now I’m embracing my inner trumpet geek, I’m finding myself watching and trying to learn again. Live music isn’t going to be happening any time soon round here, thanks to COVID so I’ll have to make do with online performances for now.