Part I- Articulation Recently I have been transcribing vocal solos into trumpet solos. In doing this, one difference in presentations that I have noticed is the difference in articulation between the two mediums. Vocalists connect each note where as many less proficient trumpet players leave spaces between each note. As an example sing the well known song “Happy Birthday” and notice the smooth transition between each word and pitch change. The air is moving constantly as the singers enunciation of each word and syllable changes. Now play the same song on your instrument and notice the stop and go pattern…

Welcome back and today we will discuss another major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance. This post explains how visualization can improve your performance This again couples words with your notes but in a slightly different way. For several decades I have used this process on my students with remarkable success. It is easy and yet very helpful. One of the first times I implemented this technique, I was teaching a middle school student who did not have any idea as to the art of passionate playing. Everything he played was dry and lifeless even though…

Welcome back and today we will discuss another major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance. This post covers the importance of the correct use of individual note dynamics in your music. Read this sentence out loud- “I want that car” Notice how the intent of the sentence changes as you put stress on each of the words. “I want that car”- gives the listener the impression that only you desires that car. “I want that car”- implies that you have a desire to own that car. “I want that car”- tells the listener that want only…

Welcome back and today we will discuss another major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance. This post covers the importance of the correct use of phrase dynamics in your music. Most written music offers some indication of dynamics but additional changes in your volume can give your performance much more life and offer your listen more musical nuances than if you just play what is written. Listed to the first example again and notice the absence of any additional dynamic inflections. Now play the second example and in addition to the written changes notice the added…

Welcome back and today we will discuss a major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance. This post covers the importance of the correct use of articulation in your music. Articulation- noun a: the act of giving utterance or expression b: the act or manner of articulating sounds c: an articulated utterance or sound The style of your music will determine what style of articulation you should use. If you are playing a march, you need to start each note with a defined, strong articulation and making each note distinct and precise. If on the other hand you are performing a solo such as 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,…