Tag: Book

  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

5. Whistle while you play   After blowing a tone twenty times into the trumpet, Alexander was very pleased with himself. “Very good, Alexander,” Papa said. “I want you to do this 20 times every day for seven days. Remember not to press the trumpet into your lips. Blow your lips into the trumpet, softly.”… Continue reading I want to trumpet, Chapter 5

4. The trumpet buzz   “Wow, a real trumpet!” “It sure is Alexander. And it needs to be taken care of.” “Oh, I’ll take very good care of it.” “I’m sure you will. And we’ll talk about how to care for it after our lesson.”   “Show me your breathing exercise.” Alexander blew relaxed breaths… Continue reading I want to trumpet, Chapter 4

3. Breathing through your lips.   “Have you been listening to trumpet music?” “Yes. They sound beautiful.” “How would you describe the sound?” “Like a brilliant sun shiny day, and sometimes, like a smooth ripple in a pond. I can hear it in my head as clear as day.” “Good. That means you are learning… Continue reading I want to trumpet, Chapter 3

Chapter 2. As natural as breathing     The next day, after school, Alexander saw Papa’s car parked in the driveway. Alexander ran into the house, and left the door open. He was so excited to see the trumpet that Papa was bringing to him. “Papa, Papa, are you here?” “Alexander!” His mother scolded. “Close… Continue reading I want to trumpet, Chapter 2