These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester

Another Update from The Dark Side

I need to again give my readers an update as to the values of playing on a trombone mouthpiece at the end of each day. If you are reading this information for the first time on the value of trombone mouthpiece playing as a benefit to trumpet playing, I will…

Which is the Best Trumpet Stand?

Eventually all trumpet player will be faced with the realization that they need a trumpet stand. Whether its use will be in the practice room, the recording studio or the recital stage, the need for a stand will have to be faced. Fortunately the cost will not be too expensive.…

RainX For Problem Valves

Some time in every trumpet players life they will run into valves which do not function as they should. They may go down but at times will not come back up. Here is a solution to the problem which I have tried and most recently been reminded. I’m starting to…

Till Brönner – Absolutely Brilliant!

The name Till Brönner might not be on every trumpet players list of great jazz musicians, but it should. The first time I listened to this gifted musician, I was amazed by the deep background of his styling. Many times I thought I was listening to Miles, other times I…

Do You Ever Get Tired of Practicing?

In order to answer this question, we must first ask an even more basic question. Why do we practice? This has an easy answer for most of us want to improve and we know that this is possible only through regular practice. If this is true, then why do we get…

Tracks Or No Tracks? That Is A Question

Have you ever been to a live show and wondered if the music was actually live or were you listening to a recording and the musicians were only pretending to play? I am constantly asked this question and it brings up a very heated discussion each time. Lip sinking and…

Arban Trumpet Method – What is it?

Joseph Jean Baptist Laurent Arban (28 February 1825 – 9 April 1889) was a cornetist, conductor, pedagogue and the first famed virtuoso of the cornet à piston or valved cornet. He was influenced by Niccolò Paganini’s virtuosic technique on the violin and in an (arguably successful) attempt to “prove” the…

Ragtime- “Swing or Straight”?

To most people, the question of how one should play the rhythms in Ragtime music seldom comes to mind. In my case, I know how it should be played but have doubts that it truly needs to be played correctly. To address this dilemma, I will explain the differences and…

Have You Tuned Your Mutes Lately?

Seldom does this question come up in trumpet circles. But it should. Most players buy a mute, play with it (when ever required) and the rest of the time the mute lays either in your case, mute bag or on a shelf in the closet. Little attention is given to…