Vibrato

written by Bruce Chidester on October 10, 2026

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.…

Outstanding !!!!!!!!

written by Bruce Chidester

What You Should Know Before Buying A Flugelhorn

written by Bruce Chidester

To many people, the flugelhorn is a unique and interesting instrument. It looks bigger than a trumpet and in some ways it is bigger. It is heavier and has a larger bell. But when stretched out to its full length, a Bb flugelhorn is exactly the same length as a…

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Many Thanks to Our Readers

written by Bruce Chidester

We, at thetrumpetblog.com wish to thank our readers for their patients during the past three month. Due to the decline in my wife’s (Karen) health, I have been slow at posting new material on our site. Now that all the issues dealing with her death have been completed and I…

Advancements in Trumpet Design

written by Bruce Chidester

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

written by Bruce Chidester

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…

What Do You Call That Thing?

written by Bruce Chidester

The Cornet. Give It A Break!

written by Bruce Chidester

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

written by Bruce Chidester

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”

written by Bruce Chidester

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

written by Bruce Chidester

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)

written by Bruce Chidester

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…

King Tutankhamun’s Trumpets played after 3000+ Years

written by Bruce Chidester

How To Learn A Solo (an easy way)!

written by Bruce Chidester

This is the time of the school year when thousands of student musicians are spending countless hours in band rooms around the country trying to learn their solo for this year’s Solo Ensemble Contest. Anxieties are starting to set in and each performer wonders how they will play and what…