The widespread use of the trumpet in music dates back to jazz in the early 20s, but we hear it in so much more music today. Aside from blending in classic orchestral pieces, trumpets can elevate a piece's melody because of their distinct sound. But how do we further innovate the sound of the trumpet?Trumpets… Continue reading Using Guitar Pedals for an Innovative Trumpet Sound
Arban Variations
Arban's 'Cornet Method' is often referred to as the brass players' bible. It addresses many aspects of brass playing, both technically and musically, and with the right guidance is a superb tool for any player's development. However, many young players struggle with HOW to practise the exercises within this book, and many a copy is… Continue reading Arban Variations
The Carmine Caruso Legacy
I think that the concept of a saxophonist and former violinist becoming one of the most well-respected and well-known trumpet (and brass) teachers is a fascinating one. His callisthenic approach will be well-known to many readers through his publications, but in addition to this concentration on the physical synchronisation of different muscle groups, he also… Continue reading The Carmine Caruso Legacy
Home Recording for Trumpeters
Over the past few months, many of the articles that I have worked on and industry pros that I have interviewed, emphasise how working life has changed drastically since the start of 2020 lockdown. With that in mind, it would be great to explore how we can successfully manage our recordings remotely now that we are all having to work with a greater degree of isolation.
Finding the perfect orchestral mouthpiece
I have spent a lot of time recently (mainly virtually!) working with players who have used this enforced period of time off to look at new and possibly better mouthpiece options for themselves. Many classical, and particularly specialist orchestral players are traditionally very conservative in their choices and often choose to stick to the ‘tried… Continue reading Finding the perfect orchestral mouthpiece
How to Clean the Trumpet
Keep your horn clean and you will never have a problem with sticky valves or slides. Keeping it clean inside also removes bacteria that can build up in the tubing.
Claude Gordon Practice Routines
This article was originally written by Jeff Purtle and published in The Brass herald in 2009. Jeff Purtle is a private teacher, clinician, and trumpet player with international clientele. As a protégé of Claude Gordon he continues the traditions of Claude Gordon and Herbert L. Clarke with effortless playing and productive practice. Please visit purtle.com for a fabulous range of educational content.
Trumpet Artist Profile : Anthony Prisk
Anthony Prisk has been the 2nd trumpet in the Philadelphia Orchestra since 2013, after previously spending eleven seasons with the Houston Symphony. Tony is an Ultimate Brass and Yamaha artist, and kindly shares his thoughts with us here.
Music Stand Lighting and Your Eyes
Headaches, eye fatigue, or stiff neck or shoulder? It might be your music stand lighting.
Trumpet Artist Profile : Alessandro Silvestro
First trumpet with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Calabria (Italy) and Frate Precision artist Alessandro Silvestro kindly shares some thoughts and experiences with us!
Faxx : Mute Review
The Faxx brand may already be known to many of you. It has a reputation for reliable accessories at a reasonable price. I have recommended the Faxx mouthpieces to young students for many years as they offer comfort and quality at a price point that is appealing to parents! However I was yet to try… Continue reading Faxx : Mute Review
Trumpet Artist Profile : Alexandre Herichon
Alexandre Herichon is an eclectic musician, at home playing lead trumpet, improvising, and as a composer/arranger. He shares some trumpeting thoughts as well his experience with his new Agami trumpet. What first drew you to the trumpeting the early days? My parents listened to jazz music when I was a kid, and we saw, sometimes,… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile : Alexandre Herichon
Jon Faddis on Ullvén Mutes
...from Jon Faddis: "Hello, Fellow Brass Players, I would like to tell you about some really good news, not just for me, but for trumpet and trombone players all over the world.Swedish trumpeter Lasse Lindgren has acquired the rights to make Ullven mutes, which have been unavailable for many years, and also happen to be… Continue reading Jon Faddis on Ullvén Mutes
Trumpet Artist Profile : John Foster
John Foster is a leading exponent of performance on historical trumpets and cornetto as well as being a former member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. John is a former classmate of mine from the Royal College of Music, and talks to me here about trumpets, trumpeting and his recent collaborations with Pickett Brass. What first… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile : John Foster
Instrument Review : C Trumpet from Norwich Natural Trumpets
I was recently sent a new C trumpet by Matt Martin from Norwich Natural Trumpets. This was designed in collaboration with Mark Bennett and has arrived with me looking spectacular. These trumpets are custom-built to order, but surprisingly do not have the custom price tag. In fact they are currently less expensive than many people's… Continue reading Instrument Review : C Trumpet from Norwich Natural Trumpets