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…
The Cornet. Give It A Break!
Why is the cornet such a misunderstood and under-appreciated instrument? Is it from the fact that many students were started on the cornet and the trumpet is what you play when you “grow up”? Is it because we seldom see a cornet in our media today? Is it because the…
Gender Differences Between the Trumpet and the Cornet
Gender Differences Between A Trumpet And A Cornet. When first reading this heading, some might conclude that I am a sexist, making a gender distinction between the two instruments. Some may also consider the possibility that I am losing my mind to which you would have to consult with my…
“Amateurs Practice Until They Get It Right. Professionals Practice Until They Can’t Play It Wrong”
When I first ran across this statement, I knew I had to have it posted where I could read it every morning. Comparing the two different work ethics can be a rude reminder that most of us are still amateurs. On which side of the isle do you stand? If…
Trumpet Hand Playing Position
Sometimes the obvious can be overlooked as in the case of your hand position while holding your instrument. If you search on line for pictures or video of successful trumpet players, you will find a variety of hand positions ranging from the normal to several extreme positions. Each performer has…
Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015)
The following information was taken in its entirety from Wikimedia.com Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015) was an American swing and bebop trumpeter, a pioneer of the flugelhorn in jazz, composer, educator, and NEA Jazz Masters inductee. He played with Charlie Barnet (1947), Count Basie (1948–1951), Duke…