Before we get to the “How Do I’s”, I need to address a few questions which are seldom asked but are equally important: Why is it important to play in tune? Playing “out of tune hurts”. It doesn’t hurt the player but it certainly hurts the listener. If you watch television programs such as “American Idol” or “So You Think You’ve Got Talent” or some equally popular show, you have experienced the horror of amateur singers trying to make it big. When they land on an out of tune note for any length of time, we all seem to have…
What Are Orchestral Excerpts and Where Can I Get Some?
Sections of major orchestral works which are written for a particular instrument are called excerpts. When performing a major piece in an orchestra, you may have to count measures rest for many minutes and eventually get to the “meat” of the part far down the road. These short, yet vitally…
Looking for a New Metronome?
Check this out first…….. Metronomicsapp And how to purchase it.
Jon Batiste and Stephen Colbert play some jazz!
Don’t give up your night job!
Two Essentials In Your Trumpet Bag
Now that you have your instrument and a few of the immediately required accessories, it is time to continue adding to your collection of great toys. The two pieces of equipment which I will address here would be your tuner/metronome and your audio and/or video recorder. The importance of a…
How To Form Your Own Trumpet Ensemble
The first question might be, “Why would you want to form your own trumpet ensemble”? That is a great question and some days I wonder myself. But with all the work and time spent on the ensemble, I still enjoy the group. Our quartet, the Branson Trumpet Ensemble, has been…
Kanstul Instruments
Kanstul Musical Instruments, Inc., located one mile east of Disneyland in Anaheim, California manufactures a complete line of brass musical instruments renowned worldwide for their quality and sound. Founded by legendary music executive and artisan Zig Kanstul and managed by his sons Jack and Mark, this family business is an…
Simplifying the Trumpet Embouchure- Part 5 What you need to practice to build strong chops.
Long Tones! Some may find this too simplistic and some may find me too arrogant. There are many benefits to being old; one is the lack of concern with criticism. The reason I have been so narrow focused in my conclusion is that focusing your embouchure muscles in an isometric…
Orlando
How could three horrifying tragedies befall one city within such a short period? Fifty lives were taken by a deranged gunman, an innocent child taken from his parents and a talented young girl senselessly gunned down in the same city. We may never understand why the innocent are taken as…
Simplifying the Trumpet Embouchure- Part 4 Finding the Correct Aperture Size and Shape
It matters not that your embouchure muscles are positioned and set correctly if you do not have a proper opening for the air to pass through, making the lips vibrate properly. So, how can you be sure that the opening or aperture is correct due to the fact that it…