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.…
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…
Three Easy Steps to Becoming a More Musical Performer
One of my most technically advanced students was without doubt the least musical. I have also had the privilege of working with students who exhibited great musical sensitivity and were technically challenged. Wouldn’t it be great to be one of the gifted who has been able to combine both attributes?…
How To Learn To Improvise From A Book
My first post in this series dealt with the contrasting characteristics of musicians wishing to learn to improvise jazz. The first example was the musician with the creative attitude for life and the second deals with the type of person who is more analytical. Learning to improvise jazz tends to…
Learning To Improvise Jazz Using The Creative Side of Your Brain
If you are the creative, spontaneous type of musician, you definitely have an advantage over the analytic or practical type of person. You are more able to create lines than the musician who is more characteristically able to re-create music from the page. I am not trying to convince you…
Are We Continuing to Fall Behind?
Check out previous posts on this topic http://www.thetrumpetblog.com/american-pride/ http://www.thetrumpetblog.com/american-pride-part-2/ http://www.thetrumpetblog.com/american-pride-3/
Trumpet Lessons On Line
Check us out at…. trumpetlessonsonline.com Several lessons are offered free of charge to give you an idea as to the material in this 45 video lesson series, and for only $19.97. How could you go wrong?
The Disturbing Monette Video- Re-posted from 2010
We all have had moments when something pops into our minds which is disturbing enough to keep us up at night and for me, this is one of those moments. Several weeks ago, while searching for topics for this blog, I came across a video produced by Mr. Dave Monette.…
A Playable, Wooden Trumpet
When you think you have seen everything, along comes something new. In this case it is a trumpet made entirely of wood. When I say entirely, I mean just that as even the valve springs are fabricated from wood.
Careers In Music Part 2
Now that we have recovered from the last post pertaining to many different areas in which one can make a living in music, it is time to focus our attention on two of the most common was to support yourself. Establishing and sustaining yourself in these musical areas- Teaching Teaching…

