Improve Your Sight-reading- On Line

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I found this site today and felt compelled to share it with you. In a previous post I covered the importance of being able to read rhythms quickly and accurately. It is my belief that being able to recognize rhythms quickly is the most important area a musician needs to…

WHAT I LEARNED IN JAZZ CLASS

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These are quotes from students in a college jazz history class. They are extracted from the essay topic, “What I learned over this semester in jazz history.” These are all genuine responses, completely unaltered. They are all 18+ year old students; not high school or middle school age kids. None…

Rotary Trumpets- Revisiting Our Past

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The hottest new trend is something from our trumpet past. Rotary valves are making a strong comeback. For that reason I searched for the most interesting description of this option which many trumpet players are switching to- rotary valve trumpets. I found this video very interesting and well done, “so…

Practicing In Front of a Computer Screen

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More trumpet players are beginning to read their music off computer screens and this new trend has advantages as well as disadvantages as we will address. More players are beginning to take advantage of on line lessons through Skype as well as other programs and many times their material is…

What is the Best Trumpet Case? Part 4

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Listed prices changing constantly! Single Soft Side Cases Now we have come to what I feel is the best compromise among all of the cases mentioned. The soft sided trumpet cases have advanced to the point that the protection is acceptable and the issue of excessive weight has also been…

What is the Best Trumpet Case? Part 3

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Gig Bags The basic design of trumpet gig bag has not changed much in the past twenty years. The basic design was originated to serve the convenience of the player. There is not too much protection for the trumpet when transported but the ease of carrying more than makes up…

What is the Best Trumpet Case? Part 2

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Traditional Hard Cases Almost every professional trumpet came packaged in a traditional hard case and most often these were made with wood panels covered with a leather or leather like material. These are considered very strong and protect the instrument from most abusive encounters.  Some are designed with extra room…

How To Pick the Best Case for Your Trumpet

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Part 1 What are the different kinds of trumpet cases? Most trumpets are purchased with accompanying cases and to the average person, this is adequate. Your instrument is expensive and deserves the best protection possible. But is the case that came with your instrument up to the task? If you…

The Need to Play in an Ensemble

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For most of us, the need to play in an ensemble is obvious. During our musical development, we all participated in ensembles, sometimes voluntarily and sometimes because of departmental requirements. Whether in a marching band, a jazz ensemble or a brass quintet, we all had experiences in this area. To…

Trumpet Falls and Doits Made Easy

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Recently, we have been seeing more and more questions about falls and doits. More specifically, how are they played? Playing doits (ascending effect) and falls (descending effect) are very easy and I will demonstrate an easy way to get the most out of your fall and doit. The secret to…