This should be a required DVD for every trumpet player regardless of age or ability. Brownie Speaks can be purchased at the following site…. http://browniespeaks.com/
This product is no longer on the market !!!!! The following two paragraphs have been reprinted from the original online advertisement and do not reflect my opinion of the product in any way. _____________________________ “The NPS, No Pressing System, is an application that controls the pressure of your lips on the horn. It is a tube that is hooked on and replaces the original main pump (lead pipe) on the trumpet. The use of this system helps you find a better intonation and a better sound by adjusting the way you blow into the trumpet. The No Pressing System…
Attention all Music Computer Geeks! Check this site out today….. NCH Software I am not endorsing this company in any way for I just started reviewing some of their software offerings and would like your help in this evaluation. So far I am impressed but what do I know, I’m just a trumpet player in a Rock and Roll band. Some of the programs are as follow.. WavePad Audio Editor Edit your audio files and add effects to create professional quality audio files. Switch Audio Converter Convert audio files from many different file formats into mp3, wav or wma. Express…
In an earlier post I covered the essentials for keeping your brass instrument in good working order. This post will cover the importance of keeping the outer service of your instrument in good shape. Whether you have a silver or gold plated instrument or a lacquered or even bare brass surface, it is important to protect the outside from damage and wear. Bare brass instruments Instruments without plating or lacquer will eventually turn ugly. The reason that bare brass changes with time is the fact that the brass, when exposed to the air over a given period will tarnish and…
For the past four years I have been pumping out post after post every other day. Some were helpful (How To Mark Your Music) and some generated controversy (The Disturbing Monette Video) and one I actually had to apologies for (Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks). Well this “old dog” decided to take the day off and feature a product evaluation submitted to me by a very good friend and accomplished trumpet player by the name of Jen. Here is Jen’s evaluation of her new Mute Master purchased through A&G Music. I just received a new mute holder that I…
We all have suffered long enough when faced with the problem of a comfortable chair or stool when performing on stage or practicing. After spending “almost an entire lifetime” searching for the “PERFECT” solution to this dilemma, I felt compelled to single handedly add comfort and confidence to the world of seated performers. I spend at least eight to ten hours a day (every day) at my computer and when I finally broke down and purchase a new desk chair, I wanted the best I could afford. As it turned out, the purchase price was not at all what I…
The market is full of band methods and to choose one as the most effective would be a daunting chore and for that reason I will only say that Essential Elements For Band, published by Hal Leonard would be at the top of my list. What measurements are required to single out just one method as the most effective? Let me list a few which I have found helpful. 1. Is the book attractive? When dealing with beginning students, the book’s appearance is very important. Methods which have been around for more than five years tend to be out of…
James Morrison explains his newly designed piston/rotary valve trumpet as only he can….. This is my new trumpet from Schagerl – although it looks a bit like a cornet, it is definitely a trumpet. The design comes from my wish to have a rotary valve instrument due to the different articulation you get compared to piston valves. I find the rotary sounds more precise and there is a smaller “dead spot” between when you push the valve and when the next note comes out clearly. This is particularly noticeable when playing quickly in the upper register (something I like to…
Neti Pot is its name and NASTY POT is what I call it. The agony and humiliation I go through while using this instrument of torture cannot be overstated. Now that we have addressed all the positives connected with this helpful little item, I will share with you its benefits and the history as to how and why I am currently putting myself through this agony twice a day. It all started when I moved to the Branson, Missouri area. If you are not aware, Branson is located in the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by a National forest. Trees have…
Many have reported advantages when using the P.E.T.E. mechanism. For me it didn’t seem to increase the benefits as advertised. Because of this, I decided to search and experiment with something different and hopefully more beneficial. Known fact #1- Most great trumpet players suggest that the best embouchure requires firmness in the corners of the embouchure. Known fact #2- the P.E.T.E. exercises increase strength towards the center of the embouchure. So what’s wrong with this picture? To illustrate my point, read what my former trumpet teacher, Don Jacoby said about this topic in his book “The Trumpet Method of Don…