Why Do I Sound Like Me, And You Sound Like You?

At first reading most would consider that statement as a boasting, self centered comment made by a pompous egotist. And you might be correct in your opinion but do remember, all trumpet players are usually a little “big headed” about their art form.

Today as I worked on my sites, I realized that most young players are able to play the notes and yet they seem to lack the musicianship needed to execute a musical phrase. Faced with this dilemma, I decided to break down the elements required to perform in a more musical style and because of this concern, I will be posting a few ideas as to how we all can play more musical.

This is the first of a series which I have no ideas as to the number of post I can come up with but I will begin with this and continue as ideas come to mind.

I have included in this first post a copy of a trumpet solo I recorded to give you an example to work with.

Please download and print this document for I will be asking you to make comments on your sheet as you listen to the two recorded examples also included in this message.

Your Homework Assignment

1.Download and print document
2.Return to this post as needed when doing your assignments.
3.Check back regularly to see what the next musical technique will be explained.

Gabriels Oboe- Solo Trumpet 1

Example played as written-

Example with more musical inflections-

One more comment about the title of this post-

“Why do I sound like me and I don’t sound like Maurice André?”

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.