Easy Lip Control Exercise

Being able to bend notes up and down can be very beneficial to a trumpet player. Adjusting notes a little in order to play them in tune as well as having the ability to bend notes in Jazz can be improved with this exercise. When practicing this exercise, try to land solidly on the false note and remain in the center of the pitch. With practice, this will be easier. Download practice sheet here- Easy Lip Control Exercise Listen to example here- easy lip control exercize

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Marshall Lytle (September 1, 1933 – May 25, 2013)

To have had the opportunity to watch this legend of Rock and Roll history perform was memorable, but have had the opportunity to visit with him was a true blessing. The information listed below was excerpted from Wikipedia were you can read more about this true legend. As one of the working musicians in Branson, Marshall could be seen around town and his smile could light up the darkest days. His laugh and stories could lift you out of your worst situations. His contribution to music and Rock and Roll in particular will be remembered for decades and as one…

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Famous Trumpet Solo, Little Known Trumpet Player

When trumpet players think of the most famous trumpet solos, we most often mention Maynard Ferguson’s early recording of “MacArthur Park” (February, 1970). Others mention Bix Beiderbecke’s recording of Sweet Sue (1928) and still others will mention the wealth of great solos performed by the master of trumpet Raphael Mendez (b. March 26, 1906 – d. September 15, 1981). But everyone in the world will remember the solo recorded by David Mason, even though most have never heard of this gifted trumpet player. The trumpet solo on the Beetles recording, “Penny Lane” will arguably go down in history as the…

Do You Need A Music Riser?

When I was first introduced to the MUSIC RISER I had no idea what it was. It was explained to me that it raises the music off the stand making it easier to read. My first question was, “Why can’t you just raise the music stand”? That seemed like a legitimate question and then I was reminded that when you play in a dance band, most of the times you are playing on painfully low dance band fronts which cannot be raised. That was true and then my interest was piqued. I tried one on a job that night and…

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Do You Ever Suffer From Stiff Chops? Part #2

Continuing with our discussion on the problem of stiff chops….. While teaching lessons at my university, I realized that many of our students were complaining about stiff chops or the lack of flexibility. Along with this problem invariably was the observation that their lips seldom felt good. After collecting information of such students practice habits, it became obvious that they were overdoing their time in the practice rooms in order to get all their lesson material accomplished. And because they were expected to practice one hour a day for every hour of credit, it was time to figure out a…

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We Have A Winner! 11 Giant Steps for Mankind (Trumpet Duet)

Here is your challenge! Congratulations to Josh for his continued research and investigation into the multiple connections of the title of this piece. Thanks to the others who participated and we will do this again from time to time when I can’t get to sleep and have the uncontrollable urge to generate another puzzle. A free copy of Besame Mucho has been sent to the winner and we hope more will be participating in out next contest. Connections- One small step for man (leap for mankind),. (John Glenn) The 11 was also a reference to Apollo 11. (John Glenn) Giant…

Do You Ever Suffer From Stiff Chops? Part #1

The number of people complaining about stiff chops seems to be growing and for that reason, I thought it time to address the problem. Symptoms of “stiff chops”- 1. Each morning when you begin to practice, your lips seem to be leathery or inflexible. 2. Many times your tone quality seems airy when you begin to play. 3. Flexibility exercises seem difficult. 4. More air is needed to start a note. 5. Playing soft tends to be difficult while playing loud is easy. 6. Low notes are a problem at the same time your high notes must be played loud…

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Vibrato, Lip trills and Shakes made easy!

You might wonder why these three techniques are grouped together. The reason I am discussing them as a group is because they are all three related. The shake is just an extension of a vibrato and the proper use of lip trills (tongue trills) is the bridge between an applied hand vibrato and a shake. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ EACH OF MY INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ORDER THEY HAVE BEEN POSTED. Introduction to the application and use of vibrato Performing a solo without vibrato is similar to eating a perfect steak without seasoning. Even the best steak will…

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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

In our never ending quest to bring to the surface brass ensembles worth watching, I thought you might enjoy this more recent offering which has its roots in a far off time and space. The time is the 1950’s and the space reference is Saturn where an important figure influenced the direction of this ensemble. A big influence in the development of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble was the father of these brothers and an important influence in the fathers life was Sun Ra, an interesting figure in the 70’s who professed to be from the planet Saturn. How more wild can…

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Are you suffering from Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis?

Recent studies have found that musicians are subjecting themselves to mold and/or bacteria which may lead to the development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a lung condition characterized by shortness of breath and cough. The mold or bacteria has been found in virtually every instrument tested by Dr. Mark Metersky (University of Connecticut Health Center). His complete story can be read at – http://today.uchc.edu/features/2010/sep10/lungdisease.html Read also a brief News report published in the September issue of the professional journal Chest – WIND INSTRUMENT MUSICIANS AT INCREASED RISK FOR LUNG DISEASE NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF CHEST Article | 09.07.10…

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