You might look at a trumpet and think, “It only has three valves—what could go wrong?” Despite the relative simplicity and durability of trumpets, trombones and other brass instruments, many issues can pop up and threaten to derail your ensemble’s rehearsal, concert or field performance. As the band director, you’re the first responder for any […]

The former principal trumpeter for the New Jersey Symphony and current Music & Arts instructor talks foundational techniques, embouchure problems, practice routines and that time Leonard Bernstein thanked him personally. Equally warm and wise, the veteran trumpeter Lawrence Clemens — Larry, to his friends and students — is the kind of educator who always has […]

There’s a power and grandeur to brass instruments that is undeniable. From the soaring fanfares of the trumpet to the mellow tones of the French horn, brass instruments have enchanted audiences for centuries. In this exploration, we dive deep into the realm of trumpets, trombones, and French horns, revealing the magic behind their sound and […]

Picture yourself strumming a ukulele by the beach, its cheerful tones resonating with the crashing waves and the laughter of friends. Imagine the flickering flames of a campfire, accompanied by the soulful melodies of a portable acoustic guitar, creating an ambiance that sparks both connection and inspiration. Envision the enchanting sounds of a saxophone floating […]

The trumpet is an important instrument in all forms of music – notably in jazz, with musicians like Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Louis Armstrong solidifying its place in jazz music. Before it’s use as a musical instrument, however, the trumpet started as a communication tool. Ancient History Many ancient texts reference the horn, a […]

The trumpet has the ability to captivate listeners across a wide range of musical genres. However, sometimes you may desire a different color or tonal quality to truly express yourself on the instrument. This is where trumpet mutes come into play. Mutes offer a fascinating array of possibilities for shaping your sound. By understanding and […]

Whether your child has been playing the trumpet now for only a few months or quite a few years, you may be asking yourself the questions ‘Should I upgrade their trumpet?’ and “When is the right time to upgrade a trumpet?” When a child first starts learning the trumpet they generally begin with lessons on […]