I'm really embarassed to admit this, but I experienced a MAJOR breakthrough in my speed & technique in just one day with one simple procedure: I cleaned my horn! Holy cow! I didn't realize how dirty it was & how much better it plays when really deep cleaned! I pulled out all the slides & soaked all of it in a tub full of sudsy warm water (laying it on a towel to protect it's finish). I ran my little snake like cleaning brush through all the tubing as far as it would reach, then rinsed the whole thing thoroughly. After putting it all back together, I was totally amazed at how much better it played! The valves are faster & it's more responsive. Prior to cleaning it, I had been wondering if I needed a new horn. All I really needed was a CLEAN horn! If you haven't done it before, you might be amazed at how much better your horn will play after a cleaning.
Valerie in Tacoma