Advice · Education · Playing techniques · Teaching techniques

Mastering Trumpet Articulation: The Power of Articulated Air

Articulated Air is a crucial concept in trumpet playing, emphasizing control and relaxation in the flow of air. Effective teaching language and mental triggers are essential for young musicians. The concept involves integrating tongue movement with the airstream. Emphasis on relaxed airflow is maintained through various exercises. Key chapters are available for free download.

Advice · Education

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 protรฉgรฉ 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.

Advice · Education

So You or Your Kid Wants to Play the Trumpet

An article by Estela Aragon, CEO/Founder at TrumpetHeadquarters.com Ahhhh the trumpet. So many of all ages fall in love with the instrument due to its age- less sound and versatility. The trumpet plays nice with classical, jazz, pop, mariachi, latin jazz, bluegrass, dixieland and many eastern music forms. Itโ€™s no wonder that the world is… Continue reading So You or Your Kid Wants to Play the Trumpet

Advice · Education · Interview

Trumpet Headquarters : Estela Aragon

Education is a lifelong journey, and a journey that often starts in schools around the world that suffer from a lack of funding in music. It is more important than ever to find good quality and reliable resources to help children on their musical journey, as well as adults and advanced learners too. Trumpet Headquarters is a wonderful resource set up by Estela Aragon who was kind enough to talk to me here.

Advice · Education

Focal Dystonia : Reprogramming your Satnav

Brass players, including those at the top of their professional tree, have experienced Focal Dystonia that has either permanently, or temporarily, halted playing. Marcus Reynolds was a โ€˜proโ€™ player who overcame the challenge and here offers his personal (as opposed to medical) perspective on the road to recovery.

Gear Review

Buzz-R : Product Review

It is always intriguing to receive new trumpet gadgets through to try out and review. I have always used mouthpiece buzzing as an important part of my practice as well as my teaching, so the Buzz-R looks like an interesting prospect. Finding an effective embouchure calisthenic aid that can realistically be incorporated into a practice… Continue reading Buzz-R : Product Review

Advice · Education · Interview

Trumpet Artist Profile : Christopher Still

Chris Still is a renowned musician and educator, and I was delighted that he was able to find time to do this interview. He is currently a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the founder of โ€˜Honesty Pillโ€™. Regular readers will have read Chrisโ€™ feature a couple of weeks ago - If you havenโ€™t… Continue reading Trumpet Artist Profile : Christopher Still

Advice · Education · Interview

Honesty Pill : In conversation with Christopher Still

Educator, clinician and coach (and also a trumpet player with the Los Angeles Philharmonic!) Chris Still has a really fascinating project that can benefit ALL musicians. I am extremely grateful for his time to chat about "Honesty Pill". Can you give a brief rundown of what Honesty Pill is all about? Sure. Honesty Pill is… Continue reading Honesty Pill : In conversation with Christopher Still