Advice · Gear Review

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

Advice · Interview

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

Advice · Gear Review

Alliance Brass : Mouthpiece Review

Alliance Brass mouthpieces were launched in 2006 by Roger Webster, former principal cornet with Black Dyke and Grimethorpe. Initially these were for the brass band world to accompany Besson instruments but in more recent times, there have been some significant developments with their trumpet range. Stephen Wick from Alliance Brass and Denis Wick Products was… Continue reading Alliance Brass : Mouthpiece Review

Gear Review · Interview

Design Innovations : Ultimate Brass

Established 2013 in Philadelphia by Chinese-born bass trombonist Sun He, Ultimate Brass started as a brass instrument repair studio and later became an innovative company that designs and makes brass instrument mouthpieces, trombones, trumpets, and brass instrument accessories. Ultimate Brass Mouthpieces and accessories are being used daily by members of the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New… Continue reading Design Innovations : Ultimate Brass

Gear Review · Interview

Trumpet Artist Profile: Massimo Longhi

After visiting the Arena in the beautiful city of Verona some 20 years ago, I have been fascinated by not only its history but its use today as one of the most spectacular opera venues that you will ever visit.  Built nearly 2,000 years ago, this outdoor amphitheatre could accommodate over 30,000 spectators, attracting audiences from across the Roman Empire. What would it be like to work here as Principal Trumpet with its resident orchestra?  Well Massimo Longhi knows!  He has held this position for 25 years now and has kindly shared his thoughts with us.

Advice · Education · Interview

Trumpet Artist Profile: Markus Stockhausen

I met up with Markus Stockhausen on a (typically) rainy day at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK on 23rd March 2018. He is a trumpeter at the cutting edge of modern performance, and as I was to find out during the course of this interview, a fascinating one at that! JH:… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile: Markus Stockhausen

Interview

Trumpet Artist Profile: Fabrizio Bosso

Italian readers will most likely need no introduction to Fabrizio Bosso. He is already a jazz superstar in his native Italy, and is now in demand on the international circuit with his various groups. Born in Turin in 1973, his fluency both musically and technically has brought him award upon award for his numerous albums,… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile: Fabrizio Bosso

Interview

Trumpet Artist Profile: Winston Byrd

Winston Byrd has made a career out of drawing on many different styles including classical, blues, pop, jazz and improvisation. One of Winston's big breaks at a young age was to become a member of the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, and he has gone on to have a career working with a 'who's who'… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile: Winston Byrd

Gear Review · Interview

Trumpet Artist Profile: Vince DiMartino

Vince DiMartino is sought after as both a trumpet performer and educator. His vast wealth of performance experience includes lead and solo work with the Lionel Hampton Band, Chuck Mangione Band and Clark Terry Band. Vince has appeared as soloist with top orchestras and bands throughout the USA and also has numerous solo recording projects.… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile: Vince DiMartino

Advice · Interview

Trumpet Artist Profile: John Thirkell

Johnny Thirkell is one of the most recorded trumpet players still working today. Through the 80s and 90s, as well as being a member of Level 42, Swing Out Sister and Jamiroquai, he has also worked with George Michael, Bruno Mars, Phil Collins, Pet Shop Boys, Kylie Minogue, Eric Clapton, Buddy Rich, The Who and Tina Turner. He has performed on over 6000 recordings including 23 No.1 records – most recently the Bruno Mars/Mark Ronson smash, “Uptown Funk”. The list goes on and on!!