Vibrato

written by Bruce Chidester on October 10, 2026

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 of the note. 2. It is easier to control. 3. It can be turned on and off much easier than other methods. 4. Even though it might not be the best technique for other brass instruments, in my opinion, it is the best technique for the trumpet.…

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…

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Many Thanks to Our Readers

written by Bruce Chidester

We, at thetrumpetblog.com wish to thank our readers for their patients during the past three month. Due to the decline in my wife’s (Karen) health, I have been slow at posting new material on our site. Now that all the issues dealing with her death have been completed and I…

Lesson Plans for Professional Players- part 3

written by Bruce Chidester

Be able to play all of the material listed below; Tone and flexibility All of Earl Irons “27 Groups of Exercises” Charles Colin’s “Advanced Lip Flexibilities” Valve technique and range exercises Herbert L. Clarke’s “Technical Studies For The Cornet” Walter M. Eby’s “Scientific Method for Cornet and Trumpet- Part 4”…

Lesson Plans For Those Without An Instructor Part 2- Lesson plans for Younger Players and Comeback Players

written by Bruce Chidester

Areas to be developed by younger 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 listed…

Lesson Plans For Those Without An Instructor- Part 1

written by Bruce Chidester

We have all had private lessons at some time in our lives and, in most cases, realize the importance of this experience. Unfortunately we are sometimes left to our own schedules or are in an area which does not include competent teachers and for that reason I wanted to address…

A Close “Look” At Tight And Relaxed Embouchures

written by Bruce Chidester

Many times we speak of a big sound as compared to a small sound when playing trumpet. In most cases one is able to hear the difference but knowing how to create a bigger sound is more of a problem. Now we have the solution! Not only are we able…

How Much Should I charge for playing my Trumpet?

written by Bruce Chidester

One easy answer would be to charge what your playing is worth. Another would be to charge what people are willing to pay. We all have been approached with this question, “How much do you charge to play your trumpet for us”? In order to establish your true value to…

Tips for Improving Your Sight Reading

written by Bruce Chidester

Many times we are held back by our inability to read new material quickly and accurately. This weakness can surface while playing in a band, on a gig, or in a recording session. Some players seem to be able to read anything placed on their stand while others fumble with…

What is Really Happening in Your Body When You Play Trumpet?

written by Bruce Chidester

The arguments go back and forth as to what happens in our body as we play trumpet. Some say the tongue arches to increase air velocity in the upper register while others say it is the lips which produce the faster vibrations and still others say that it is the…

Buying A New/Used Trumpet Is Like Buying A New/Used Car

written by Bruce Chidester

You may think this is a strange comparison but the selection of each is very similar as I will try to illustrate. Guidelines when purchasing a new car • Should I buy a new car or a used one? • Do I need a new car? • What do I…

Trumpets In The Sky, Or A World Wide Hoax?

written by Bruce Chidester

I will give no explanation for this occurrence and would like your opinion as to what is going on. Share your thoughts on this very interesting phenomena.

What Ever Happened To Geoff Gallante?

written by Bruce Chidester

When we think we have reached the top, along comes someone like this that reminds us we are not all that good. Looks as if we have some new blood in the trumpet world and are we happy about that. Enjoy the future of trumpet playing. 8yr old Geoff Gallante–all…