Trumpet for Beginners – Page 12

A Beginner’s Guide To Transposition

written by Bruce Chidester on January 19, 2014

Does your hair stand on end when you are faced with a part which requires transposition? Until you become familiar with playing notes that are not there, you will be uncomfortable. I will try to give you some helpful tips on how to reading transpositions at sight. Learning to transpose music (which way and how far?) Step #1 Extend your left arm to full length. Bring the palm of your hand in to face you. Think of each of your fingers as lines on a staff. Your thumb is now top line F, your first finger is now the D…

Trumpet Accessories for Beginners

written by Bruce Chidester on September 11, 2013

Accessories which are designed and sold for the trumpet player can be as endless as fashion accessories available to women. Each is professed to be absolutely essential for a good performance. And in the same way some fashion accessories in women are useful and sometimes just stupid, so it is true in the trumpet world. In order to simplify the many offerings, I will divide them into two categories – “must have accessories” and “nice to have accessories”. “Must Have” Trumpet Accessories for Beginners Trumpet cleaning kit- Most manufacturers include a cleaning kit with the new instrument. This kit will contain the following items-…

Getting Started Playing Trumpet

written by Bruce Chidester on September 9, 2013

So you want to play trumpet/cornet! In everyone’s life, we will eventually have to make decisions. If you are considering the possibility of starting to learn to play a trumpet/cornet, you might be interested in the following information. “Why should I learn to play a trumpet/cornet”? Learning any instrument has been proven to build confidence in ones self as well as add to social skills and personal pride of achievement. With that said, why would anyone decide on the trumpet? “If I learn to play the guitar or piano, I can play both melody as well as chords which sound…

A Breathing Lesson With Don “Jake” Jacoby

written by Bruce Chidester on June 8, 2013

Voices from the past bring back wonderful recollections of people who have influenced our lives and for that reason I have posted this lecture given by one of my former trumpet teachers, Don Jacoby. The tone and mannerisms in this recording make it almost as if “Jake” were actually in the room. Only people who knew this very gifted player and teacher can really know what this recording can do to a person’s past memories. For those who knew Mr. Jacoby, enjoy remembering those good times and for those who never had the pleasure of meeting him, enjoy his lesson…

Easy Lip Control Exercise

written by Bruce Chidester on May 27, 2013

Being able to bend notes up and down can be very beneficial to a trumpet player. Adjusting notes a little in order to play them in tune as well as having the ability to bend notes in Jazz can be improved with this exercise. When practicing this exercise, try to land solidly on the false note and remain in the center of the pitch. With practice, this will be easier. Download practice sheet here- Easy Lip Control Exercise Listen to example here- easy lip control exercize

Do You Ever Suffer From Stiff Chops? Part #1

written by Bruce Chidester on May 17, 2013

The number of people complaining about stiff chops seems to be growing and for that reason, I thought it time to address the problem. Symptoms of “stiff chops”- 1. Each morning when you begin to practice, your lips seem to be leathery or inflexible. 2. Many times your tone quality seems airy when you begin to play. 3. Flexibility exercises seem difficult. 4. More air is needed to start a note. 5. Playing soft tends to be difficult while playing loud is easy. 6. Low notes are a problem at the same time your high notes must be played loud…

Vibrato, Lip trills and Shakes made easy!

written by Bruce Chidester on May 14, 2013

You might wonder why these three techniques are grouped together. The reason I am discussing them as a group is because they are all three related. The shake is just an extension of a vibrato and the proper use of lip trills (tongue trills) is the bridge between an applied hand vibrato and a shake. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ EACH OF MY INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ORDER THEY HAVE BEEN POSTED. Introduction to the application and use of vibrato Performing a solo without vibrato is similar to eating a perfect steak without seasoning. Even the best steak will…

Your First Call to Sub………

written by Bruce Chidester on May 8, 2013

Some players look forward to that call and some begin to shake in their boots for your first call to substitute for another player brings up many questions such as- Can I play well enough to make the band leader/conductor happy? How good did the original player do and will I sound pathetic in comparison? What kind of job requirements are expected for the gig? Do I have enough chops? Will I be able to read the parts? Is this my big chance and can I perform well enough to be called back? The list could continue for some time…

The Three Levels of Accomplishment

written by Bruce Chidester on May 6, 2013

Whether taking a test in English or performing on a recital, we can demonstrate one of three levels of ability. C level performers- C level performers expect to perform adequately and nothing more. If the passing grade is a C and you are content with that level of accomplishment, chances are very good that the C will be your final grade. Usually C students are content to spend the semester doing just enough to get by. Musicians are the same in that they will perform as well as they are expected, as long as the bar is not so high…

Basic Maintenance Information For Your Trumpet

written by Bruce Chidester on April 18, 2013

Sometimes we assume that all trumpet players are experienced at trumpet maintenance and forget that there are players just starting out, and for that reason I thought this would be helpful for our new recruits.