Pickett Blogs

Mindset!

  Being mentally fragile is arguably the number-one hurdle to overcome for a successful trumpet performance. When entering the commercial world for the first time, I noticed that I was not prepared mentally or physically. When you are the only trumpet player onstage in front of thousands of people, you can’t afford to be timid. You must be confident in the abilities you have gained during the countless hours of practice and musical preparation. Symphonies and classical chamber groups around the nation are struggling financially, as are jazz ensembles and big bands. Yet commercial musicians always seem to find work. They are the “jack-of-all-trades” of the music business. A good commercial musician who can command many styles on his or her instrument will always be in demand. Specialists who can perform only one style are not hired as often and endure more financial struggles.

Our Pickett/Blackburn team has the privilege of having access to thousands of mouthpiece options. Below is a quick breakdown of our everyday mouthpieces and why we chose those models.

Throughout the years as a commercial trumpeter I have learned to adapt to changing music venues, sound engineers, and various horn sections. Be prepared for anything, and I mean anything during the sound check. On numerous occasions the vocalist, or another band member asks for the songs to be performed in a different key or arrangement the day of the gig. Common transpositions and using your ears to perform is key.  Transposition skills are not just for classical musicians, it is for all musicians!

Of course they do!  When determining the ideal amount of resistance, the first factor to consider would be which style, ensemble, or musical direction that you have in mind. Whether you're performing lead in a jazz band or 2nd trumpet in the local symphony, your mouthpiece choice plays an integral part in your approach. Once you identify your musical needs, you can then begin the mouthpiece search. 

First off, I love my job!