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…
It’s time for some musician humor…..
Years ago I had good fortune to play Victor Borge’s show in Waterloo, Iowa and remember most of his entertaining performance. I hope you enjoy his humor which only musicians can fully appreciate.
Please Welcome Susan Rider to Our Site
Click on Picture to enlarge. We are very proud of Susan’s accomplishments and have all benefited from knowing her. Not only is she an outstanding musician, but Susan is one of the most kind and caring person I have ever known. WAY TO GO SUZY!
Welcome to the Generations Brass!
I happened to run across this wonderful performance of one of my arrangements on Youtube today and wanted to share it with you. Thanks for your support “Generations Brass” and a free arrangement will be coming your way. Please send me your E Mail address and I will get it…
An Easy Way To Improve Your Tone and Health
I’m sure that most of you clean your horns at least once a week. SURE YOU DO!! I have to admit that the hygiene routine on my instruments is not what it should be but one area you should address at least once a week is your mouthpiece. Studies have…
Guess Who’s Stealing Our Gigs Now? Part #2
Look what greeted us when we returned to an old club we had played just a few months earlier. More on this issue can be found at this previous site….. http://www.thetrumpetblog.com/guess-whos-stealing-our-gigs-now/
Becoming a More Musical Performer Part 3
The Construction of Musical Phrases A musical phrase is similar to a sentence in a story. Both are part of a larger whole and is important in effectively telling of the story. By themselves, each will have little impact but when combined with other sentences or musical phrases, the story…
Becoming a More Musical Performer Part 2
Musical Changes in Tempi Tempi can be altered just as dynamics in order to be more musical. Many times we play a solo as if we were playing a march. We start at this tempo and we will stick to it to the end, regardless of what anyone thinks. When…
Becoming A More Musical Performer- Part 1
Dynamics vs. Intensity Have you ever wondered why some musicians are more interesting to listen to than others? Have you wanted to learn the secret to true musical expression? Both of these questions should be asked from time to time as we practice our art. Playing music and playing music…