Internet Trumpet Resources

Something I wrote once: “Musicians of all kinds have embraced internet technologies and trumpet players are no different. The internet has caused to happen complex communities of trumpet players from all parts of the globe who are extremely in sharing all imaginable kinds of information and experiences.”

The key words in that statement are: community, sharing and global.

For me this is what the internet is all about. Notice the words “commerce” and “profit” are not a part of this statement. The internet is a powerful resource to us in that it has enabled humans to communicate in ways never possible. Digital culture has impacted us in much the same way as did the printing press, the telephone and broadcast television and radio did in our history. Keep in mind that all these new technologies (which are now mainstream) were first “poo-poo’d” by skeptics and nay-sayers.

Regardless of the criticisms of the internet and internet trumpet communities, there is no denying that the advent of global networking technologies has brought thousands upon thousands of trumpet enthusiasts together in ways simply not possible before.

This is not a trivial matter. This is a phenomenon like no other experienced by the practitioners of “Our Loud and Lofty Art.”

On a personal level I can say that without a doubt, my experiences online have enhanced my life in very positive ways. I have developed many friendships and collegial relationships that I value as much as any I have made in person. Fortunately, through attending ITG conferences I have been able to meet many of these folks in the flesh and enjoy their company and conversation across a table full of Guinness. I would have never met many of these people who have helped me throughout the last 12 years had I not participated in online communities.

So, what are the benefits to participating in an online trumpet community?

• Networking is valuable in just about any career. Work in this area and career networking was particularly helpful to me in changing academic positions last year. Yes, you can get gigs from online networking!

• Professional players of all types use the internet to network and promote themselves and their products online

• Private teachers keep in touch with their students online

• Trumpet enthusiasts with similar interests, whether it be baroque trumpet, high note playing, antique cornets, lovers of certain types of music or players or equipment or trumpet gurus and the list goes on and on and on keep in touch and commune in small groups online every day.

• Life-long Friendships

• Sharing valuable experiences and knowledge

w Pedagogical Ideas & Opinions

w All Styles of Music Covered

w Equipment/Technologies

w Recordings

w Industry News

w Employment Information – military, touring gigs, cruise ships, graduate assistantships, academic positions

w Concerts and Masterclasses

w OPINIONS – sometimes with GREAT passion… ok.. almost always with great passion.

Back in the old days (yes, 5-10 years is considered ancient in internet history) I used to be asked – “Where does one start?” – A question not asked as often of me anymore. More commonly asked: “where is the good stuff?” Although there are many here that could benefit

I will first discuss and demonstrate how to use Online Trumpet Discussion Forums. There are more than these six, but these are the most established and probably the most active.

• Online Trumpet Discussion Forums

w TPIN - Trumpet Players’ International Network

w Trumpet Herald BBS

w Trumpet Master BBS

w Trumpet Corner

w Ask The Teacher - ITG Youth Web Site

w Rec.music.makers.trumpet – Newsgroup

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Is it all good? Of course not, but its getting better every year.

It is for everyone? Not at all, but more and more people are coming online and getting involved.

Rquires time, patience, care and the development of specific skills

Communication skills, but a unique kind. There are no vocal inflections or facial expressions in textual communication. This can greatly challenge the communication and requires great care in expressing a thought or idea. This style of communication can be difficult to learn and is actually very difficult to master – it takes time.

Filtering skills – you have to learn how to not read everything. Its voluminous. Find your place and get the most bang for your buck. It takes time to find your place, but once you do you will save time by not plowing through gobs of stuff that doesn’t interest you. – Example: TPIN vs. TH

As a collegiate trumpet teacher, I am sensitive to other teachers who are concerned that their students aren’t capable at a young age of filtering through all that transpires on a trumpet-related discussion list or bbs. Some teachers are worried that their students might be confused by the vast differences of opinion on certain topics, or that they may be influenced by some half-baked idea they read on the internet. What is a student to think if they read something that contradicts what their teacher is preaching?

On the other hand student participation in online discussions can help them in many ways.

Establishing habits of inquiry…. Very important to any person’s early development.

Discovery of ideas and resources not available

Inspiration by other’s passion and dedication

Frequency – trumpet is on your mind more often when you are constantly connected to an enormous body of knowledge and information

Can improve the pedagogy if the teacher will participate in discussions

Challenging a teacher’s ideas can sometimes force them to support their concepts which can lead to greater development and understanding.

This can solidify one’s ideas and energize the delivery.

The bad and ugly

Unmoderated vs. moderated

Can be a great equalizer – credentials don’t seem to always carry as much weight as they do in the “real world. “ Well-known pros who participate have to come with a thick skin and be prepared to be challenged.

Lots of garbage – filtering

Anonymity – problems that arise from that

Think before you post a passionate reply to something that has angered you.