My Practice Sessions: Ryan Beach
Ryan Beach is the Principal Trumpet of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and host of the podcast “That’s Not Spit, It’s Condensation!“
What time do you begin your first practice session?
It certainly depends, but I’d say I try to get to it no later than 11 am. Some days it’ll get pushed to the afternoon.
What is your daily warm-up routine?
Usually [Vincent] Chicowicz Flow Studies, and then some articulation exercises to wake up my tongue. I try to be ready to go within the first 10-15 minutes of the day.
How long has this warm-up been a part of your practice sessions?
Since the beginning.
How long is your warm-up routine?
On average, 10-15 minutes.
What different elements have you changed (or removed) from your warm-up routine over the recent years?
If anything, I’ve just added attention to detail, and a higher standard. I treat my warm ups similar to how I would approach a performance. I may a little more relaxed, but I’m working for perfect attacks, consistent sound, all the things you want to be able to produce when it counts.
What time of day do you generally practice?
Morning
How many practice sessions do you typically have a day?
One. I might do two if the spirit moves me.
Do you have a strict time limit to each practice session?
No, but I generally don’t practice more than 60-90 minutes.
How does your partner’s and/or family’s schedule fit into your practice sessions?
She’s a musician, so it’s fine.
After your last practice session of the day, do you do anything the night before to prepare for the next day’s sessions?
If I’m really beat up, I’ll do some flow, thoughtful flexibility in the low register to loosen things up.
Do you have any non-music related routines such as meditation or exercise to help prepare you for your daily warm-up?
Not really.
What apps or products do you use to aid in your practice sessions?
Tonal Energy for metronome.
If you fail to not get in a solid warm-up, do you do anything different for the rest of practice sessions?
I don’t really move on unless I have a solid warm up. Sometimes I won’t finish my warm up before rehearsal will start. In that case, I just deal with it the best I can. I try to do it all the same.
When you are on tour or traveling, how are you able to adapt your practicing to fit in with the given circumstances?
My practice is pretty organized, so when traveling it’s not too hard. I just find an hour and dig into the list.
Is there anything else you would like to add that would be beneficial to other musicians?
More organization is better for accomplishing goals. My practice was without form for many years, and although I was able to play well, it was limiting. Since learning to organize, I’ve been able to accomplish everything I want to, and fit in all the things I need to fit in.
