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 television programs such as “American Idol” or “So You Think You’ve Got Talent” or some equally popular show, you have experienced the horror of amateur singers trying to make it big. When they land on an out of tune note for any length of time, we all seem to have…

Free- Foundation To Cornet Playing

Foundation To Cornet Playing   An Elementary Method printed in 1914 by Edwin Franko Goldman. If nothing else, reading this document will give you some idea as to how far we have progressed in brass literature…….. Edwin Franko Goldman (January 1, 1878 – February 21, 1956) was an American composer and conductor. One of the most significant American band composers of the early 20th century, Goldman composed over 150 works, but is best known for his marches. He founded the renowned Goldman Band of New York City and the American Bandmasters Association. Goldman’s works are characterized by their pleasant and catchy tunes, as well as…

Trumpet High Range Development- Part 3….. “What Method Books Have the Secrets to High Note Playing”?

First of all, if these books have all the secrets, they are no longer secrets. Now down to facts. All high range methods are based on known features and how these features differ will explain why some techniques work and some don’t. I will discuss general categories which will help to explain the theory and application of these different approaches.   Pedal Tones and how they work. Many methods utilize the practice and effects of pedal tones when trying to increase one’s high note range. Pedal tones include all notes played below the normal limitations of the instrument; any note…

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How to Play a Low F in Tune

Not often, but enough to learn this trick, we are asked to play a low F. Usually it is required by someone who knows nothing about our instrument or acceptable orchestration practices. Or, in the case recently, where I arranged a number which required the first trumpet to exceed what I considered a reasonable high range and I decided to lower the key to solve the problem. Unfortunately by lowering the key it placed the lowest note in the fourth trumpet part down to a low F. Not being one to change the F to one an octave above, which…

Trumpet Mouthpiece Placement

“Where should I place my mouthpiece when I play my trumpet/cornet?” The placement of your mouthpiece can be affected in many ways. If you have scare tissue as I do, (a friend through a brick and hit me square on the chops) you will notice that the affected area does not vibrate as other tissues does. If your dental facial structure is less than ideal, (front teeth protrude or are highly irregular) you may encounter more comfortable or less comfortable areas to place the mouthpiece. The position of your jaw will also affect your mouthpiece placement. If the world was perfect…

What Are The Five Most Often Asked Questions By Beginning Trumpet Players?

Young Trumpet players seem to ask the same questions on how to improve their playing. Below are some suggestions and consistent in each of the answers are a common thread; Practice and Listen. How can I produce a clear and consistent sound? A trumpet player can produce a clear and consistent tone by focusing on proper embouchure formation, using correct air support, and maintaining a consistent blowing angle. Additionally, proper care and maintenance of the instrument, such as regularly cleaning the trumpet and keeping it in proper playing condition, can also help produce a clear and consistent tone. Practicing regularly…

Current Listing of 38 “Two Minute Trumpet Tricks”

We began posting our Two Minute Trumpet Tricks on Dec 28, 2021 and our most recent addition numbers #39 (Replacing Valve Corks). During this period, we have had many visitors to our sites and one request was to list all of our Trumpet Tricks in one location so that our readers would have an easier time choosing the trick that interest them the most. Because of that request, we have listed below all of our Trumpet Tricks to make your selection much easier. If you find this listing helpful, please share it with your friends for we are all here…

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A Special Thank You to All Our Supporters

We would like to thank our readers for their continued support and send a special thank you to the sites who have also supported our postings through the years. 20 Best Trumpet Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2022 (feedspot.com) (This site has listed our blog #1 Trumpet Blog every year for the past six years) #1. The Trumpet Blog | Blogging anything & everything trumpet  Branson, Missouri, US” “The Trumpet Blog regularly posts information related to trumpets and trumpet playing. Find information on many topics dealing with trumpet playing which will include the basics for the first timer as well…

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