Final answer:
Hickman believes starting to play the trumpet at around ten or twelve years of age is optimal due to physical development, improved patience and determination, and enhanced music comprehension typically present at these ages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hickman, a well-known trumpet player and teacher, believes that it's generally best not to start playing trumpet until the ages of ten or 12 years due to several reasons. Firstly, physical development plays a crucial role in this decision. The facial muscles and lung capacity required to play the trumpet correctly generally reach appropriate development around these ages. Secondly, patience and determination, vital traits for learning a musical instrument, are often better developed in slightly older children. Lastly, music comprehension, another key factor, also seems to improve around the age of ten or twelve. Understanding complex musical notation, rhythm, and melody can be challenging for younger children.
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