If you asked me who my very favorite person was in history, I would have to say Benjamin Franklin. At age 20, he made a list of the 13 virtues that he wanted to get better at. He pursued the embodiment of these virtues in a very deliberate way by keeping track of them in a notebook. And he actually improved! These virtues were:

1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
11. Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

So, I was thinking what might be the virtues of trumpet players. Here’s what I came up with. What do you think are the most essential trumpet virtues?

1. Willingness. Openness to challenges and the opportunities they bring.
2. Inquisitiveness. Curious about trumpet players, trumpet ideas and trumpet music.
3. Generosity. Willing to give of your efforts, your music and your wisdom.
4. Self-honesty. Acceptance of your ability as it is. This is the way to improve.
5. Creativity. Enjoy putting a little of your own artistry into your music making.
6. Patience. Willing to wait on results.
7. Sense of team. Building a group together for the good of everyone.
8. Communication. Seeking first to understand and then to find ways to convey your meaning (whether through conversations or with your trumpet).
9. Humility. Letting go of the need to get more money, power or fame, but instead aiming to help others.
10. Friendliness. Desire to connect, help, spend time with the people in your trumpet-universe.