• Practice opposite dynamics and tempos to maximize preparation possibilities.
• Time breaths to fit into the last 8th note of a dotted half.
• Downbeat is sacred, do not be late.
• Acceleration and Ritard must be gradual/steady.
• As you ritard, note length must increase.
• All markings occur exactly where they appear on the page.
• Sing everything.
• Unless you really hear the pitch your mind cannot direct your body to make appropriate changes.
• Think long 16ths and let the tempo take care of the actual length.
• Do not move or bobble when tonguing.
• Do not gesture or accent beats with your body or breath.
• The character of a piece is determined by the length of its 8th notes.
• Accent syncopation.
• Relax until the pitch settles into its center.
• Save a little "kick" for the end of a piece.
• Isolate and focus on 1 musical element when learning but be flexible enough to adjust while playing.
• Don't let dynamics or tempo changes disrupt airflow or cause chop overmovement.
• Check the low Db by playing an 8ve above with 1st valve then 1 and 3 (make them match) use your ears.
• Contrast lyrical style and martial style even with in a phrase.