10 Indications That You Are Too Old To Play Trumpet. 1. People compliment you on your vibrato when you’re playing a straight tone. 2. Your mutes are green and fuzzy. 3. Your blood pressure is higher than your upper range. 4. You now use your gig bag to carry your…
These posts are written by: Bruce Chidester
How to Play in Tune
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…
Are You A Professional or An Amateur?
Due to the fact that this post primarily contains information related to the more limited topic of music, the original question could be restated more accurately as “Are You A Professional or An Amateur Musician”? According to the latest AI (Artificial Intelligence) source: A professional musician is someone who earns…
Features to Consider when Buying a Trumpet
When deciding on which trumpet/cornet to buy, there are a few guidelines that need to be addressed. The bottom line cost is one of the most obvious questions for most people. Unless you are interested in the ultimate, hand fitted, custom made, work of art, one of a kind horn,…
See What Your Tonguing Looks Like
Often we are told to listen to our sounds and evaluate our progress. As I demonstrated on an earlier post we were able to see what our tone looks like through recording software. The same is true when trying to improve other areas of our playing, and in this case…
Show Me the Light of Gods’ Great Glory
Free Brass Choir Arrangement of “Why Me Lord?”
This arrangement was done to recognize a true Miracle in our families’ lives. My wife was diagnosed with cancer and our family has struggled for the past year with this shocking news. After undergoing two different sessions of immune therapy, radiation and endless visits with countless physicians, our best hope…
Arban Characteristic Study #1- Trumpet Duet
Sometimes I like to visit old projects from the past as in this case. Etude playing alone is not an activity I enjoy but coupling the same etude with a second part can add much more excitement and enthusiasm to the activity. This arrangement of Arban Characteristic Study #1- Trumpet…
Fast and Simple Relief from Cold Sores, Canker Sores and Sore Throats
Earlier in my life I was constantly plagues with multiple canker sores which interfered with my trumpet playing. For some reason, they always seem to locate in the most inopportune places on my lip and at the worst times; most often before a concert or solo/ensemble contest. These dastardly villains…
Inspiration or Complete Humiliation?
Each day I practice my Clarke Technical Studies and slur up and down on my Advanced Lip Flexibilities exercises. Every day I play my long tones and range exercises. Then… I view a video of the “Good Guys” and I throw up my hands in despair. Yes, in the morning,…