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.…
Free Rhythmic Study with Recording
You may find this useful to practice your jazz rhythms for all of these examples have been taken from our current show in Branson, “The All Hands On Deck Show”. If you become tired of the cymbals in the recording, you can do two things to improve the sound- 1.…
The Presidential Race- “The Ultimate Reality Show”
If you are like me, I have had it with all the name calling, mud throwing and character assignations going on in the race for the White House. We have finally hit the lowest level in our countries history when speaking of the the next occupant to the oval office.…
3 Reasons Why Actors Are Better Than Musicians
I’m sure that I have your attention at this time for a statement like that should raise the hackles on any musician worth their weight in valve oil. For several months I have had the pleasure of performing with an exception troupe of actors (actresses) from New York who every…
Music (born 2000 BC – died 2012 AD) One man’s view of the evolution of music
Much can be said about evolution. Darwin had his revolutionary views and even though he was wrong, he was still able to voice his opinion. In the same vein, I will present my hypothesis as to the evolution and decline of music as we know it today. It is my…
Phil Driscoll- “You Raised Me Up”
If Ray Charles ever played trumpet, this is how he would have sounded.
Last Day for Gigantic Price Blowout!!!!
With the Fall Season just around the corner (remember the Christmas season begins on Labor Day in Branson), our sister site trumpetensemblemusic.com will be offering all of their arrangements posted from September 1 through September 30 for only $5.00 each. This will the best time to stock up on your…
Put A Spring In Your Playing
With all the advances in trumpet materials and design, you would think someone would do something to improve our valve springs. There is one thing that you can do yourself to possibly improve the performance of your instrument. And the answer is inside your valve casings. Valves are made to…
How A Soda Straw Can Improve Your Playing
In our last post we talked about the use of a modified, plastic, water bottle to improve your air intake and today we will be using another simple and readily available gadget to improve the air flow out of your body and through your instrument. Many have pondered exactly how…
How A Water Bottle Can Improve Your Breathing
Taking in a sufficient amount of air before playing trumpet is a very simple yet confusing action. Some say that “you take air in as if you are coming up for the last time when drowning”. I never did understand that one. Some say “lift your shoulders and fill your…

