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…
The way Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion Should Have Been Written
How many times have we all enjoyed George Frideric Handel’s Oratory, The Messiah and wondered if he had written it incorrectly? I would venture a guess that I may be the only one on the planet. The reason I have even pondered this possibility stems from my preparation for a…
Problems Binding E-Books and Music
Technology has advanced at an incredible rate in the past decade and with it has followed problems which will have to be addressed. Two such developments are the issues of copy right laws and printing E-Books transmitted over the Internet. Small cottage industries have begun to blossom all over the…
At Last, A Better Plunger!
For those who occasionally pick up a plunger to entertain the masses, you may be interested in my new choice. This is available at Lowes for the modest price of $2.24 and with about two minutes to alter the original, you can have the best plunger I have ever used.…
A Little Trumpet Insanity- Pete Barbutti
This may be only entertaining to the older set but to those of us who have lived through the latter part of the Big Band years, these videos will bring back some memories, both good and bad. Pete Barbutti was the comic humorist for every musician and was able to…
“FAST”- Sustained Success w/Simple Slurs
Sometimes I am asked, “Where do you get your ideas to write about”? Today’s post comes from the fact that both my wife and I have been suffering for the past couple weeks with cases of Bronchitis and with this condition, the above mentioned participants find relief by sleeping in…
Oooops!
I just realized that I have not included any material on the great trumpet player Harry James. My apology to you all and do be amazed at what he was capable of producing.
Can I Play Cornet Solos On My Trumpet?
Of course you can. And you could hunt elephants with a 22 caliber rifle also, but I wouldn’t recommend either. How are cornet solos different from trumpet solos? Literature which has been written especially to be performed on a cornet usually follows these characteristics- • Melodies are most often very…
Advancements in Trumpet Design
The changes made in the design, materials and construction of new trumpets has exploded in the past decade. The change has been so sudden and drastic that it is difficult to keep up with the advancements. The reason for this dramatic change is highly debatable but for what ever the reason,…
“Rest As Much As You Play” Concept And Exercises
Through most of my teaching I have preached the concept of “Rest As Much As You Play”. In this post not only will I illustrate the advantages of this practice, I will also offer a solo which has been broken down to illustrate this concept. The benefits of “Rest As…