How Old Should Your Child Be When Starting To Play A Brass Instrument? Part 1

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This seems to be a hot topic on the national trumpet bulletin boards and I’m not sure there is a definitive answer to the question. Each individual will have to make his/her own decision on this one. Some young players have been very successful while others have failed miserably at the quest. It will be my intent in this post to bring light on both advantages as well as disadvantages when considering a very young child’s first experience on a musical instrument. Important issues to consider when starting a child on a musical instrument- Does the child have any interest…

High Range Trumpet Methods- Introduction

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One of the most asked questions from students is this, “How can I learn to play high notes?” Seldom do players ask how they can improve their tone, endurance or any of the equally important areas of development. While giving clinics both with the faculty brass quintet as well as individual clinics, I have often been asked, “How high can you play?” My answer to that question was usually “I can play one note higher than I am asked to play”. Although they seldom understood what I meant by the statement, my response did answer the question. I have never…

Old Trumpet Players

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For those concerned about my current ability on the horn, let me assure you that even at the ripe old age of 78, I still have a few high C’s in my bag of tricks as illustrated by the following recording I did a few years ago shortly after my first heart attack and just before I was diagnosed with prostate cancer- Napoli You may also find this information of interest- 99% of the recordings I have posted on my site trumpetensemblemusic.com are “first takes”. Not bad for an old-timer!

Why Do We Have To Practice?

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In two words……we don’t. Why do we have to brush our teeth? In two words……we don’t. But, if we want to play well just as we may want to keep our teeth, we have to do things if we want a favorable outcome. As a young aspiring musician, I spent endless hours in many practice rooms pounding out scales and exercises in order to improve my playing. As an older player attending North Texas State (now the University of North Texas) I spent on an average six to eight hours practicing every day. Now as an older (old) trumpet player…

Can An Old Dog Learn New Licks?

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This morning I filled in for one of the trumpet players in a local Worship Band. To say it was a challenge would be understating the situation. The majority of the charts were “kicking” funk charts and something I have had little experience playing. On the drive home I mulled in my mind why I was uncomfortable playing funk rhythms and soon the reason came to me. I have never played in a Funk Band before! How could this have happened? Then, after reading Wikipedia’s definition of the term Funk Music, It came to me. Funk music began after most…

trumpetensemblemusic.com “Back to School Special

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Once a Year “Back to School Sale” With school now open, we continue our annual “Back to School” Special. Order any three arrangements from trumpetensemblemusic.com and get a fourth arrangement free of charge. Your free arrangement will be in the same instrumentation and style as your three orders and will be equal in price to your most expensive arrangement.   What a deal!   Be sure to stock up for your concert season with this incredible deal which happens only once a year.   (Special offering is good from now till September 1)

How to Choose the Right Music for Your Wedding

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We recently were approached by one of our readers by the name of Ronald Ross who volunteered to submit material pertaining to the selection of music for any upcoming weddings. We want to thank Mr. Ross for his contribution and be sure to visit his blog at Loud Beats for more interesting features. How To Choose the Right Music for Your Wedding It is a tough job to plan a wedding and it requires patience and ability to innovate instantly. Right from the beginning to the end, you are peppered with an endless number of snags and many choices. The…

Talent comes in All Shapes and Sizes- and here is one of the most talented I have met in years

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Some of my readers may be questioning my choice in featured musicians today, due to the fact that this young man does not even play trumpet. He is a composer, singer, song writer as well as a great person. Oh…..did I mention he plays guitar? Put your hands together for an astonishing young musician who will succeed in his chosen field as an accomplished musician. Let me introduce you to my new friend, Daniel Hardin… Here are a few questions I sent him to more fully understand his tallents and drive. • How did you get started in music?/When did you…

James Linahon revisited….

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I wanted to update you all on what this amazing artist has accomplished in his life. And to know him is an honor ! JIM LINAHON JAMES LINAHON is an award-winning music producer, composer and trumpet artist with more than 300 recording projects for Film, Television, Radio, Musical Theater and CD/DVDs to his credit. Linahon spent 39 years teaching at California State University Fullerton, and then Fullerton College. During his educational career he has led collegiate jazz programs, directed big bands and combos, and taught a myriad of music technology courses. Jim also served as a Cultural Ambassador for the…