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…

Uncategorized

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…

“Bring Back the Doowop Days”

written by Bruce Chidester

I thought you might like reliving some great times in our lives.

Carroll Community Wind Ensemble Trumpet Players

written by Bruce Chidester

Welcome to part of the Carroll Community Wind Ensemble out of Carrollton, Ga. The ensemble is a community outreach program of the Carroll Symphony Orchestra that began 3 years ago and has performed at many community events. This is their second time performing with the University of West Georgia. Two…

Protecting the Finish of Your Instrument

written by Bruce Chidester

In an earlier post I covered the essentials for keeping your brass instrument in good working order. This post will cover the importance of keeping the outer service of your instrument in good shape. Whether you have a silver or gold plated instrument or a lacquered or even bare brass…

Three Cadenzas for Del Staigers Carnival of Venice

written by Bruce Chidester

This needs no explanation. I just got tired of the same written cadenza and thought some of you might like something different. You will obviously need to take liberties with the tempo of each cadenza, slow at the beginning and fast at the end of each run. The piano part…

Is Live Music Dead- Is there any way we can bring it back to life?

written by Bruce Chidester

Each day we hear of more musicians losing their jobs. Some reasons given for this epidemic are 1. The economy, 2. Reduced ticket sales, 3. Change in direction, 4. Tracks are more economical. 5. Tracks don’t make mistakes, 6. No one is using horns any more, and the list goes…

Good Morning Vietnam!

written by Bruce Chidester

For the past four years I have been pumping out post after post every other day. Some were helpful (How To Mark Your Music) and some generated controversy (The Disturbing Monette Video) and one I actually had to apologies for (Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks). Well this “old dog”…

Finally- “The Perfect Performance Chair/Stool”!

written by Bruce Chidester

We all have suffered long enough when faced with the problem of a comfortable chair or stool when performing on stage or practicing. After spending “almost an entire lifetime” searching for the “PERFECT” solution to this dilemma, I felt compelled to single handedly add comfort and confidence to the world…

My New “Favorite Trumpet Player”- Pacho Flores!

written by Bruce Chidester

When I think of the most outstanding tone to come from a trumpet, I remember a trumpet workshop at the Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago which featured a lecture by the great orchestral trumpet legend Mr. Adolph “Bud” Herseth. When I think back to the most technically gifted trumpet player…

Good News For Beginning Trumpet Players

written by Bruce Chidester

The market is full of band methods and to choose one as the most effective would be a daunting chore and for that reason I will only say that Essential Elements For Band, published by Hal Leonard would be at the top of my list. What measurements are required to…

A Little Different And A Lot Of Talent

written by Bruce Chidester

I recently came across a very talented trio fronted by a young trumpet player you must hear. Noticed I didn’t say your “should” hear. The trio is called Sweet Talk and no matter what kind of music trips your trigger, you need to listen to and follow the progress of…