Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

🎺 Feeling Stuck in Your Trumpet Comeback?

If you’ve picked up the trumpet again after years away, it can feel frustrating—like your endurance, range, or sound just isn’t coming back as fast as you hoped. Here’s some help for you:

✅ Slow Down Your Practice
Don’t just play songs you know. Practice a fundamental routine i.e. long tones, simple slurs, and breathing exercises, etc. Small, focused reps beat long, unfocused sessions every time.

✅ Rest As Much As You Play
Endurance doesn’t come from pushing until you’re spent. Build strength with short practice sessions and equal rest. This keeps your chops fresh and growing.

✅ Focus on Flexibility First
Range and endurance both come from flexibility. Lip slurs, bends, and even pedal tones will unlock the control you’ve been missing.

✅ Keep the Horn on Your Face
Not literally—but stay consistent. Every minute adds up, no matter how great or small. Consistency beats waiting until you “have time.”

If this speaks to you, I’d love to personally help guide your comeback. That’s exactly why I created The Returning Trumpet Player Method—a proven system to rebuild confidence, range, and endurance so you can enjoy music again.

👉 Apply here: www.trumpetlessonshq.com/apply

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2 months ago | [YT] | 13

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

🎺🌳What Two Trees Taught Me About Playing Trumpet Again 🌳🎺


I had a conversation this week with a trumpet player who’s working hard to come back after decades off the horn. He said something that really stuck with me:

“Coming back is harder than learning the first time… because I remember what I used to be able to do. And now I see how far I’ve got to go just to get back to that.”

Whew. That’s real. And if you’re in that space right now—I see you.

Later that day, I walked past two trees I’ve been watching since early spring. One bloomed early. The other took its sweet time. Back then, the difference was obvious.

But now that it’s summer?
You can’t tell which one started first.
They’re both in full bloom.

That moment hit me.

👉 Some of us feel “behind.”
👉 Some of us compare ourselves to others—or even to our younger selves.
👉 Some of us wonder if we’ll ever get back to the player we used to be.

But the truth is—none of that really matters.

What matters is that you stay in the game.

Growth doesn’t follow your preferred timeline. But it does show up if you keep showing up.

So wherever you are in your journey, take a deep breath today. Be patient with yourself. Your bloom is coming.

And when it does—nobody will care how long it took. They'll just hear your sound and feel your heart.

If you’re serious about getting better and want help making real progress, book a call with me.

I’ll listen to where you’re at and show you how we can get you moving forward, faster.

🎯 Grab a spot here → christopherdavis.as.me/Discovery

Let’s do this.

—Chris

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3 months ago | [YT] | 21

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

There are 7 rules I live by as a trumpet player.
They’ve helped me rebuild endurance, unlock range, work a lot, and stay motivated—even on tough days.

I just broke them all down in my latest video. If you're serious about improving, this one’s worth your time.

🎥 Watch now on the channel:

Let me know which rule hits home for you in the comments!


https://youtu.be/2dWCD9JhZPc

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6 months ago | [YT] | 14

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

🎺Frank Thought He Could Figure It Out On His Own. For Two Years, He Tried.


Once upon a time, there was a guy named Frank.


Frank was a dedicated healthcare professional who had just wrapped up a successful 40-year career. Retirement felt good—finally, time to breathe. But after the celebrations and the long lunches, something strange happened…


Frank started wondering what to do with all this free time.


One afternoon, he remembered something from deep in the past—a time when his heart beat a little faster. High school. The band room. The trumpet.


He made his way to the basement, opened up an old dusty case, and held the horn that once felt like an extension of his soul.


He gave it a go.


To his surprise, a few of his favorite melodies actually came out. A little wobbly but the spark was there.


Then it hit him.


After just 4 or 5 minutes of playing, his chops were done. Completely gassed.


Frank thought, “Okay… this is gonna take some work.”


So, like the disciplined man he was, Frank got to work—on his own.


Week after week. Month after month. For two whole years, Frank practiced faithfully.


He believed that if he just stuck with it, things would come together.


But they didn’t.


Sure, he made SOME progress… but not the kind he’d hoped for. His sound still cracked. His range felt stuck. And endurance? Forget it.


He dreamed of joining a local band, but every time he imagined sitting in the section next to other players, that little voice of doubt whispered,


“What if you embarrass yourself?”


That’s when Frank finally decided to try something different.


He joined my program.


And things changed.


With clear guidance, smart exercises, and coaching designed specifically for returning players like him, Frank stopped guessing—and started growing.


A few weeks ago, he played an F above high C in front of the class.


It rang out clear and confident.


Frank just laughed and said,

“Wow… I’ve never done that before. And it was way easier than I thought it would be.”


Now that’s the magic of working with someone who’s walked the road and helped people just like you.

---


If you're like Frank—practicing on your own but not getting the results you hoped for—I want to invite you to the next step:


🎺 The Complete Trumpet Player Challenge
April 7, 8, 9, and 11 at 7:15 p.m. CST


This 4-day online challenge will help you:
✅ Get your sound back
✅ Build real flexibility
✅ Finally improve your range


Even if you haven’t touched your horn in years.


You can begin to fix that—in just 4 days.


💥 Click here to register now and start your comeback.


www.trumpetlessonshq.com/complete-trumpet-player-a…


Let’s make your next chapter the best one yet.
You were made to play.

6 months ago | [YT] | 8

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

I help returning trumpet players go from struggling with endurance, range, and confidence to playing with ease and getting recognized for their great trumpet skills 🎺💪

If you’ve been trying to get back into trumpet after years (or decades) away but feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to improve—I’ve got you.

✅ Want to rebuild endurance without blowing out your chops?
✅ Need a step-by-step plan to safely extend your range?
✅ Ready to finally feel good about your playing again?

Comment below or click the link so I can help you make your comeback SIMPLE! ⬇️🎶 #TrumpetComeback #PlayWithConfidence

christopherdavis.as.me/comeback-yt

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7 months ago | [YT] | 8

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

🎺 Feeling Stuck on Trumpet? Let's Fix That.

So many returning trumpet players tell me the same thing...


👉 "I just don't have the endurance I used to."
👉 "My range feels stuck, no matter how much I practice."
👉 "I feel like I’m working twice as hard for half the results."


Sound familiar? If you've been playing again for months (or even years) but still feel like you're hitting a wall, I want you to know—this isn’t your fault.


Most comeback players are making the same mistakes without even realizing it:
❌ Ignoring sound quality, which leads to extra tension
❌ Practicing randomly instead of following a structured plan
❌ Overblowing instead of becoming flexible
❌ Thinking they need to "muscle" high notes instead of developing coordination


The good news? Small changes = drastic results. My students prove it every day.


🎺 Ken took 40 years off the horn. When we started working together, he could barely get through an exercise. Today? He’s leading his community band and soloing with confidence.
🎺 Tim practiced on his own for two years before finding my method. He just hit F above high C for the first time—easier than he ever imagined.
🎺 Nicole, a total beginner, developed the range and flexibility to play **G above the staff** (as a violinist-turned-trumpeter, no less!).


They all followed a simple, proven system that took the guesswork out of practice.


🔥 If you’re serious about making your comeback simple, apply for a free call to see if you qualify for The Returning Trumpet Player Method.


🔗 Click here to apply: christopherdavis.as.me/comeback-yt


Let’s get you playing with endurance, range, and confidence—so you can actually enjoy making music again. 🎺🔥

7 months ago | [YT] | 10

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

Read This if You've Ever Doubted Your Return to Trumpet

Does this sound familiar? You pick up the trumpet after years away, expecting to feel that old magic again—only to be met with frustration, doubt, and a sinking feeling of "What if I’ll never get it back?"

Maybe you’ve avoided practicing altogether because it’s embarrassing to struggle with things that used to be easy. And deep down, there’s regret—"Why did I ever quit?"

Pay attention, if any of that sounds familiar, let me tell you this: you are not the only one—and more importantly, you are not stuck.

I’ve worked with countless returning trumpet players who felt the exact same way. And the truth is, getting back to your former skill level (and even surpassing it) isn’t about grinding harder or magically “waking up” with your chops back. It’s about working smarter and following the right process.


Here are three simple but powerful steps to help you push past the doubt, embarrassment, and regret:

1. Reframe the Way You See Your Comeback

Right now, you might be stuck in a comparison trap—measuring yourself against your past self or others. Flip the script. Instead of dwelling on what you can’t do yet, focus on the fact that you’re playing again. That alone is a win. Improvement follows those who stick with the process.

✅ Try this: Every time you finish a practice session, write down ONE small win. It could be hitting a note with more control, playing for an extra minute without fatigue, or even just getting the horn on your face that day. Wins stack up over time.

2. Use “The Master Key” to Unlock Your Skills Faster

If you’re frustrated by your sound, endurance, or range, it’s probably because your flexibility is holding you back. That’s why I teach returning players to focus on slurs, bends, and pedal tones early on. It’s not about brute force—it’s about coordination, efficiency, and using your air wisely.

✅ Try this: Spend just 10 minutes a day on slow, controlled slurs—low to middle register. It’s the fastest way to rebuild your embouchure and start feeling connected to your horn again.

3. Get Rid of “All or Nothing” Thinking

One of the biggest reasons comeback players avoid practicing is because they feel like they have to do an hour-long “perfect” session or it’s not worth it. That’s a lie. Even 10-15 minutes of smart, focused playing can change everything over time.

✅ Try this: Set a 10-minute goal for each practice session. That’s it. Often, just starting will lead to more. But even if it doesn’t, you still win because consistency beats perfection.

Final Thought

You don’t have to be the player you once were to enjoy playing again. And you absolutely don’t have to stay stuck.

With the right approach, you’ll not only get your skills back—you’ll come back stronger, smarter, and more confident than ever.

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your comeback and want a clear, proven path forward, I’d love to help.

Let's get on a quick call and map out your next steps together.
Click here to book your free session: christopherdavis.as.me/comeback-yt

Talk soon,
Chris

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7 months ago | [YT] | 10

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

🎺 Master Your Trumpet Embouchure – Pick ONE & See the Difference! 💪
Your embouchure is everything when it comes to trumpet playing. If you want more strength, flexibility, range, or just an overall better sound, you need to train your face to work with the horn the right way.
I just dropped a new video breaking down 5 key tips to build the ultimate embouchure. Here’s the thing—any ONE of these tips will work wonders if you focus on it. So don’t try to do them all at once—just pick one and stick with it for a few weeks!
🔥 Keep the horn on your face – Play more often than you don’t. No pressure to practice every single day—just aim for consistency.
🔥 Double down on flexibility – It’s the Master Key to trumpet playing. More flexibility = better endurance, range, and sound.
🔥 Use isometrics – Strengthen your embouchure without overblowing. A great way to build playing endurance and stability.
🔥 Add pedal tones – Relaxation = endurance. Building your low register makes the high register easier!
🔥 Muscle Confusion Method (For Advanced Players Only) – If you already have a consistent practice habit, this will help break through plateaus. But if you’re just getting back into playing, stick to the basics first.
If you’ve been struggling with endurance, range, or just feeling stuck, let’s talk. I’ve helped hundreds of comeback players rebuild their skills and start playing with confidence again.
🎯 Let’s figure out a plan to get you back on track. Book a FREE call with me here:
christopherdavis.as.me/comeback-yt
Pick a tip, stick with it, and let me know how it goes. See you in the video! 🎺🔥

7 months ago | [YT] | 7

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

*Ken Took 40 Years Off Trumpet and Still Went To the Next Level ***

Ken hadn't played in over 40 years when he decided to pick up his trumpet again. He had a deep love for music and was committed to improving, but after a year or two of trying things on his own, Ken realized that he needed a teacher.

Like many returning trumpet players, he faced real challenges.

You know, the usual . . . Range, endurance, consistency.
They weren't what he wanted them to be.

After having a stroke, he knew that he had to approach things the right way. Ken is the kind of guy who is willing to do the work. He wasn't looking for shortcuts. He just needed a clear roadmap forward.

When he joined my program, we focused on flexibility, endurance, and sound development. You know, the foundation of all great playing.

Ken applied the process, and his results followed.

What's happened since?

Ken is playing with more endurance, more confidence, and more control than he ever imagined.

He was also featured as a soloist in his local community band and has one of the purest trumpet sounds you'll ever hear.

His story proves that with the right guidance, consistent effort, and a clear roadmap forward, real progress happens.

You can also have a success story. There's no need to continue to put of you dreams to be a great trumpet player. Yeah, we all know that you likely won't play Carnegie Hall at this point in your life. But that doesn't mean that you stop the pursuit of EXCELLENCE.

If you realized that you want help and are ready to get serious about your return to trumpet then . . .

Book a call with me to map out your next steps:
christopherdavis.as.me/comeback-yt

Here's to your progress,
Chris

8 months ago | [YT] | 9

Chris Davis (TRUMPET LESSONS HQ)

Think You've Lost Too Much Ground in Your Trumpet Playing?

Do you ever feel like you left something unfinished with the trumpet?


Maybe you had big dreams for your playing years ago, but life got in the way.
Now, after decades off, you’re picking up the horn again, wondering… Can I actually catch up after all this time?


Yes, you can!

My student Dave M. recently retired and summed it up perfectly:

"Hey, I got some time to maybe catch up from all the years of not knowing what I was doing. I could finally do this. I can finally go and play the trumpet and do it right."


That feeling—that pull to finally do it right—is what drives so many comeback players. But getting back to where you were isn’t about just playing more. It’s about playing smarter.


That’s why I teach my students to take a patient yet urgent approach. It may sound like a contradiction, but it’s actually the fastest way to progress.


- Patient enough to build endurance, range, and control the right way—without forcing or overblowing.
- Urgent enough to stay consistent, practice daily, and avoid the trap of waiting for motivation to strike.


This is exactly what I mean when I say: “Keep the Horn on Your Face.”


One way to apply this in your practice is through flexibility training—a key to rebuilding embouchure strength, range, and endurance.


Here’s how to approach it:
1. Start in the center of the staff to establish control.
2. Expand gradually to both the high and low extremes—over time.
3. Work through all 7 positions—no skipping steps or rushing ahead.


Need structure? Here are three of the best books for flexibility training:
- "Flexus: Trumpet Calisthenics for the Modern Improviser" – Laurie Frink & John McNeil
- "Daily Drills and Technical Studies" – Max Schlossberg
- "27 Groups of Exercises" – Earl Irons


I understand that you want to make up for lost time. That’s exactly why I work with returning players—to help them get back to playing with confidence, without wasting time on trial and error.

👉 Book a call now so that you can start making real progress today: christopherdavis.as.me/comeback-yt

You’ve waited long enough. Life is too short for that. It's time to finally do something.

See you soon,
Chris

8 months ago | [YT] | 10