Trumpeting for the fun of it
Links to posts of lessons on how to practice and play the trumpet.
Remember to always practice like you are playing in front of an audience. Exercise Tone quality Pitch centeredness Articulation Lip Flexibility Finger flexibility Sight reading Long tones X X Slurring x X Tongue arch x x Tonguing X Metronome Scales, etc. X x Songs X Big, bold X’s indicate the primary benefit. The smaller x’s indicate… Continue reading What and why of practice
The key to good tone quality on the trumpet is a good embouchure and good air flow control. Sound is vibration, so the quality of sound depends on the quality of the vibration. A piano has strings that vibrate, and clarinets have reeds that vibrate. Trumpet players use the vibration of their lips to produce sound.… Continue reading Improving tone quality on trumpet
There is a difference between practicing the trumpet and practicing music. Practicing music is learning how to express emotion in sound with different pitches. Practicing the trumpet is learning how to play music on that instrument. Learning how to play the trumpet involves: Tone quality (combines embouchure and air flow techniques) Embouchure (jaw setting, mouth, tongue… Continue reading Trumpet versus music practice
Working too hard for too little sound and pitch? You are suffering from a glottis problem referred to as the Valsalva Maneuver. Here is how to overcome the glottis reflex and play with an open airway.
Recording your exercises as you practice will improve your sound and give you three big benefits.
You will play the way you practice, so knowing how to practice well is essential to playing well.
9. Playing songs with notes “OK Alexander, now that you know how to play different notes on the scale, you can play songs. And the more songs and games you play, the better you will read and play music.” “I’m ready. Where do we begin?” “Let me give you the big picture.” … Continue reading I want to trumpet, Chapter 9
8. Musical alphabet: The chromatic scale “Papa, I am tired of playing the rhythm to Mary had a little lamb. I want to really play it with notes.” “OK then, it is time to learn your notes.” “O boy. Where do I start?” Papa unfolded a
7. Tonguing “Your tongue is not used just for changing pitch. It is also used to separate notes. Try saying Tuh and Duh. These two syllables will give you separation of the notes while blowing through your trumpet.” Alexander was saying Duh over and over again, but thought it was silly. “Alexander, blow into… Continue reading I want to trumpet, Chapter 7
6. Valves on the trumpet Alexander saw Papa sitting by the piano and sat next to him with his trumpet. “Papa, I’ve been pushing these buttons, and the sound changes. How come?” “Well, these buttons are called valves: 1, 2, and 3. The first valve closest to your mouth is 1. The middle valve… Continue reading I want to trumpet, Chapter 6