I have been receiving some questions on how I approach music and the trumpet, recently. I am dedicating this page to answering those questions and any others that might come up at a later time.

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The first of these series of topics will be:

Brass playing can be divided into Seven key “Principals”:

1) Mastery of Air

           2) Relaxation

                                                                                                                                                     

                      3) Tone Production

                                4) Tonguing

                                        5) Flexibility

                                                6) Dexterity and Technique

                                                            7) Range

These fundamentals when applied correctly in the right order and balance provide a foundation for the routine perfect for you. “Routines” are essential for accomplishing any goal in the quickest way possible. This “First Series” will discuss how to make a routine that is perfect for you.

Now you might have noticed the first two principals on the list do not involve playing at all. When brass playing is done correctly, it should be as relaxing as taking in a comfortable, relaxed breath of air.

Once you have learned how to use your air correctly the next goal is to relax your mind and body together as one, so one’s outcome is a perfect sound. A perfect sound can only come out of your horn if the sound and concept are firmly in your mind. We will explore how to do this in the upcoming posts.

Once these first two principals are firmly grasped, the following five will come very quickly through consistent practice.

Click on any of the following links to learn more about that particular topic. If you have any questions or are interested in posts on different topics, feel free to email me with your ideas and suggestions.

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Remember to always follow the above concepts when proceeding with these exercises. Only play as fast or high as you can when it can stay perfectly and relaxed. Perfect practice leads to perfect performance…

I also would like to say that these exercises can be modified in any way, as well, for your own personal needs. I will include several examples.

Remember to rest as much as you just played after each exercise. This recovery time will warm up you up even more than the exercises themselves.

I purposely did not include mouthpiece buzzing in the above descriptions because mouthpiece buzzing does not work for everybody. That said, I ALWAYS buzz my mouthpiece at least 10 min before I ever touch my horn every day. I do the same exact exercises as above, just on a mouthpiece. Sometimes slightly modified depending on what is needed.

“The 7 Principals of Great Brass Playing”