When it comes to trombone practice, the mute is usually the last thing players think about as they organize their day. However, as we learn in this clinic with Chris Houlding, leaving your mute out of your daily practice session is a very bad practice! Get practice tips for mute prep so that you are ready for performance success in the trombone excerpts Denis Wick artist Chris Houlding reviews in this short masterclass.

For trombonists who are technically assured and playing nearly everyday, I have devised a more rapid and efficient routine combining articulation and flexibility with range and coordination. You should nevertheless always try to start the day with some stretching, breathing and general 'well being’ exercises to prepare the body and of course, the mind for the artistic day ahead.

In my daily warm for the developing player, I have attempted to combine basic preparation for establishing good practice and creation of a reliable muscle memory with the advancement of specific technical fundamentals.