How to Play in Tune

written by on

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…

Features to Consider when Buying a Trumpet

written by on

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, you should expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 for a quality instrument. When I speak of the ultimate, one of a kind trumpet, I am reminded of a situation many years ago when a college first told me about  his friend who was making truly one of a kind,…

Fast and Simple Relief from Cold Sores, Canker Sores and Sore Throats

written by on

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 were treated with everything from alum to hydrogen peroxide. While on tour with my college wind ensemble, our host, who was a dentist, assured me that he could solve my problem by applying silver nitrate on my lip. Not only did that not work, but my host also successfully dribbled…

Share
  • spread the world
695 views

Trumpet High Range Development- Part 4….. “Will I ever be able to play a double high C”?

written by on

If you have normal physical components- Yes If you are determined to practice properly to achieve this goal- Yes If your are patient enough to be satisfied with small, consistent increases over time- Yes If you are willing to accept bad days and cherish the good days- Yes If you think that playing a double high C is necessity in your future as a trumpet player- Yes If you answered Yes to all of the questions above- You might have a chance. If you answered No to any of the above questions- You might not want to waste your time…

Share
  • spread the world
999 views

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

written by on

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…

Share
  • spread the world
1810 views

Trumpet High Range Development- Part 2…..”Why Can He/She Do It And I Can’t”?

written by on

Click Below.. Do I have your attention? How about this one…… And don’t forget the Jazzers….. Doesn’t it make you want to hang it up? These kids are hitting notes I have only dreamed of.   My encounter with one so gifted….. I began performing on my first Cornet when I was nine years old. I am now eighty-two, have taught and performed on Trumpet for seventy-three years and still do not have a solid G above high C. What’s wrong with this picture? How is it possible that a 12 year old, who has been practicing for only a…

Share
  • spread the world
1079 views

Trumpet High Range Development

written by on

One of the most sought-after areas for trumpet playing is the secret to playing high notes with ease. The ability to perform in the altissimo register has been a challenge from the beginning of time. Screech trumpet players today are placed on a more elevated level than those with advanced technical abilities or even the most gifted player with the best tone. If one would visit most trumpet bulletin boards today, the most popular question is “How can I play high notes easier”? Small fortunes have been made by authors and publishing companies after flooding the market with many “easy…

Share
  • spread the world
827 views

Free- 40 Etudes for Trumpet by Wilhelm Wurm (Repost from 2013)

written by on

Seldom are we able to offer free material of this quality to our readers. This collection of 40 studies is available at the site listed below and is in public domain which means its content can be freely distributed without any infringement in copy rite laws. I have used this fine collection for many years in my teaching as well as my practicing and feel that even paying the full price ( $15.00 ) is a good deal but being able to download it free is even better. Click on the link below and where it indicates “complete Score” click…

How to Teach for 30 Years and Still Retain Your Sanity- Example #3

written by on

This morning was spent recalling incidents while teaching at the University of Northern Iowa where I was employed from 1969 until taking early retirement in the year 2000. Some memories stand out as positive moments and others as less than productive circumstances. It is the purpose in this document to illustrate to the younger and less experienced leaders in the field of education just how to keep ones focus while dealing with the everyday problems which unfortunately come with the job. Example 3. As I have stated before, two of my former heads of our department were, shall we say,…

Share
  • spread the world
635 views

How to Teach for 30 Years and Still Retain Your Sanity- Example #1

written by on

Today I realized that I have almost been retired as long as I had been employed. How time flies when you’re getting old (older). This morning was spent recalling incidents while teaching at the University of Northern Iowa where I was employed from 1969 until taking early retirement in the year 2000. Some memories stand out as positive moments and others as less than productive circumstances. It is the purpose in this document to illustrate to the younger and less experienced leaders in the field of education just how to keep ones focus while dealing with the everyday problems which…