Challenge
Lesson time: (0min 42sec)
Mike Lovatt challenges you to play 'Cinnamon Tea' with a quiet but intense mezzo-piano opening, then record yourself for feedback.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic Latin Trumpet
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Music Lesson Recap: Dynamics in Cinnamon Tea
Remember earlier in the lesson how we talked about dynamics in cinnamon tea?
Now, I'd like you to try and play the whole piece, but really pay attention to the first section, which is mp (mezzo-piano).
Key Points to Remember:
- Play Quietly: Focus on maintaining a soft volume.
- With Intensity: Bring intensity to your playing, even while being quiet.
Next Steps:
- Go out there and record a video of you playing this piece.
- Upload it to our website.
- We will come back to you with some personal feedback.
Have fun!
About the instructor

Mike Lovatt studied at Trinity College of Music, where he was awarded the Jon Kelly Jazz Scholarship. He has performed and recorded across a huge range of styles with artists including Quincy Jones, Robbie Williams, Eric Clapton, the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Buble, Oasis, Michel Legrand, Tony Bennett, Shirley Bassey and Danny Elfman, among many others. As Principal Trumpet in London's West End, Mike has performed in Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Producers, Billy Elliot, Guys and Dolls, Saturday Night Fever, My Fair Lady and Spamalot, amongst others. He has played on movie soundtracks including the James Bond films, Harry Potter with the London Symphony Orchestra, the award-winning Chicago, Kevin Spacey's Beyond the Sea, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Madagascar and The Corpse Bride. He is featured on trumpet and cornet in George Fenton's Mrs Henderson Presents, and on trumpet in Looking for Eric. Mike is principal trumpet with the Grammy-nominated John Wilson Orchestra and has been featured in their celebrated BBC Promenade concerts and recordings. Mike is sought after as a teacher and clinician, and is a professor of trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. In April 2013 he was proud to be awarded the prestigious Derek Watkins' Chair of Trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music, London. In his MusicGurus courses, Mike shares the secrets behind his versatility, showing you how to nail authentic swing, rock and Latin trumpet styles so you can play any of them with confidence and the right feel. read more




