What Do I Have to Practice In Order to Become a Great Trumpet Player?

written by Bruce Chidester on October 28, 2026

ChatGPT said: To become a great trumpet player, you need to practice more than just playing songs. You need to build a beautiful tone, strong breath control, accurate technique, a great ear, and musical expression. The secret is consistent, focused practice every day—not simply playing for hours. Even 30–60 minutes of deliberate practice can make a big difference. The 7 things you need to practice Tone and long tones Highest priority Your sound is your identity as a trumpet player. Practice holding comfortable notes with a full, clear, steady sound. Hold notes for 8–12 seconds without squeezing. Keep the sound…

Trumpet Tips

Vibrato

written by Bruce Chidester

Download exercise sheet Trumpet Vibrato Basics I mentioned in my previous post that I feel the best vibrato for trumpet playing is the hand vibrato. Some of the reasons I feel strongly about this form of vibrato over other techniques are- 1. It does not interfere with the basic sound…

Outstanding !!!!!!!!

written by Bruce Chidester

What You Should Know Before Buying A Flugelhorn

written by Bruce Chidester

To many people, the flugelhorn is a unique and interesting instrument. It looks bigger than a trumpet and in some ways it is bigger. It is heavier and has a larger bell. But when stretched out to its full length, a Bb flugelhorn is exactly the same length as a…

Finally! Help for Trumpet Instructors

written by Bruce Chidester

Finally there is assistance for troubled trumpet instructors. We all have been faced with this situation from time to time; the student comes to his/her lesson ill prepared and begins with pleading excuses for not having their lesson learned. One such student actually sat down and pretended to cry. He…

Lesson plans for More Advanced and Comeback Players- Part 3

written by Bruce Chidester

Areas to be developed by more advanced players and comeback players- Tone and flexibility Valve technique and range exercises Sight reading and etude playing Ensemble playing Always be preparing a new solo The attached material will give you specific exercises to use in order to begin to develop the areas…

Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns

written by Bruce Chidester

Sometimes you can be blown away with a great soprano aria. Sometimes you are brought to tears by the singing a beautiful choir. Even a sunset can make one stop and contemplate the universe, but when you hear the power, precision and drive of a band like this, all you…

Mr. Paul VonAdam

written by Bruce Chidester

I have know Paul for more than 10 years and have had contact with him in many areas which includes being a close friend, a fellow musician. Paul and his wife Carol are two of the nicest individuals my wife and I have know since moving to the Branson area.…

Update on Branson

written by Bruce Chidester

Many have been very kind in asking how we are doing in Branson after a very busy night with tornadoes. I thank you all for your support and wanted to share some photos of our less fortunate neighbors on our street. Our house sustained minor damage and we should have…

American Pride Part 3

written by Bruce Chidester

This is part of my continuing series of posts related to what I have called “American Pride”. Each post reflects something in music which denotes the pride we feel for our country. This is a very good example of two characteristics Americans are known for- ingenuity and creativity. Where else…

Another interesting Video-

written by Bruce Chidester

Our good friend John Hess is back and the amount of work put into this video is only matched by his ability to play his horns. I wonder if this gentleman ever sleeps. Thanks again John and may you live forever!

American Pride Part 2

written by Bruce Chidester

Many commented on my first American Pride post and I thank you all for your support. There was one reader who missed my true intent for he interpreted my comments as being anti-America in nature. I can assure you that I have as much pride in our country as the…

Interesting Video

written by Bruce Chidester

With all of the fine trumpet players in the world today, it is a challenge to decide which ones to feature. Making my decision this time was much easier for I have a vested interest in this gentleman. His name is John Hess and he was kind enough to send…

Bella Tromba

written by Bruce Chidester

This is the second in a series of “My Favorite Trumpet Groups”. The following material has be taken from their web site and explains a little about their history and accomplishments. To understand the complete story on this ensemble, go to Bella Tromba for more information. Formed in 2004 at…