Just what is the “Bell Curve System”? A Bell Curve is a representation of graduated increase and decrease of anything. It could represent income changes, temperature differences or the stock market. It is a gradual representation of change and this “gradual” change can be beneficial to your practice habits. I…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
“Required Reading” Jonathan Saraga (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Jonathan Saraga. If you missed the first segment, be sure to read it for as the title states, “This is Required Reading. Now we continue with our interview. Do you prefer big band or combo work? “I’ll probably have to go with…
“Required Reading”- Jonathan Saraga
I try to stay up with the current trumpet scene and for that reason I ran across a phenomenal young player by the name of Jonathan Saraga. Most often when cruising the net I will hear a player who has great range and endurance but lacks ideas or technique. On…
Modifications To Your Mouthpiece
First warning! Modifying a mouthpiece could ruin it. With that note of assurance, let’s see what can be done to a mouthpiece to change its playing characteristics. Parts of a trumpet/cornet/flugelhorn mouthpiece- Rim- contoured section which comes in contact with the players lips Bite- Inner edge of rim Cup- Largest…
Recent Loss to the Trumpet World- Mr. Don Thomas
To most trumpet players, names such as Maynard Ferguson, Clark Terry, Doc Severinsen, Miles Davis and others are easily recognized through the many records on the market today. Strangely enough, many of these great players would have been overshadowed by the talent of a quiet, soft spoken trumpet player from…
Here’s An Interesting Design For A Trumpet
From time to time we run across something new. Some are good ideas and most are bad. This is an exception for I found the design not only unique but also a new concept which might catch on. Check it out and send me your comments.
Introducing Jonathan Saraga- “Required Reading”
I try to stay up with the current trumpet scene and for that reason I ran across a phenomenal young player by the name of Jonathan Saraga. Most often when cruising the net I will hear a player who has great range and endurance but lacks ideas or technique. On…
The angle of the air stream.
We have covered the lip, mouthpiece placement, lip tension, aperture size and control, and now it is time to talk about the direction of the air stream. The air begins in the lungs and is forced between the lips which creates vibrations and in turn produces the sound which emanates…
The Correct Lip Alignment And Aperture Size?
First we must explain to our younger players just what an aperture is and how it affects our trumpet playing. When we speak of an aperture size, we are speaking of the size and shape of the opening between your lips as you produce a note. Some players prefer a…
A Loose or Firm Embouchure?
Now that we have covered the advantages and disadvantages of a mouthpiece placed vertically and horizontally on the embouchure, the next element to deal with is the firmness or looseness of the embouchure itself. Many players place the mouthpiece on their lips and begin blowing, never thinking of the firmness…