But my advice to you would be any method that uses a very gradual system of building blocks, using your air properly, and playing the trumpet with minimal strain, so that the muscles have a chance to develop properly and gradually. You mustn't rush the process, otherwise you'll develop bad habits that you'll never be able to correct. Be patient and practice, practice, practice. I went to Jamaica High School in Queens, NY, and I played in their symphonic band, but I refused to play in the marching band, 'cause I didn't want to hurt my lip. It seemed easy for you to slide into the role of pompous maitre d'.
Nothing can replace the interaction with a live crowd.
But for the best experience, nothing will replace the interaction with a live crowd at a concert or a club. Those are usually the best moments. A lot of the music that we're hearing coming out of the industry now, especially the electrically oriented rap music, leaves me cold, because of the nature of the message, which personally I find having very little socially redeemable qualities. There's a lack of humanity in much of the music that I'm hearing, and that part I personally don't care for. When the beat is good, the beat is good.