Trumpet Articles

Trumpet

Oskar Böhme Revisited

In 1997 the ITG Journal published my article, “The Böhme Brothers, Oskar and Willi.” Under the simpler title, “The Böhme Brothers,” it has since been expanded into Chapter 5 of my book, “East Meets West,” which at the time of this writing is going to press under the auspices of the Historic Brass Society (HBS) and the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) in the Pendragon Press’ Bucina series. Here I will only dwell briefly on that material, in order to examine certain aspects of Böhme and his time in greater detail. (NB. There will be no footnotes in the sections of this article derived from “East Meets West,” where all relevant details can be found.)

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Trumpet

Elevate Your Thinking to Elevate Your Playing

In this article, I provide suggestions for how brass players can improve their playing by developing their imagination. I present practical examples of how I have developed my own imagination and how I have helped students develop theirs in order to improve their performance. These examples include methods for clarifying musical ideas and improving their communication.

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Trumpet

I’m not Meant to be a Musician

This article delves into the intricacies of trumpet playing, examining the challenges faced by musicians in developing a natural and effortless technique. The study focuses on a diverse group of trumpet players, considering their unique physical attributes and the impact of emotional stress on their learning process. Employing a performativity-based methodology, the research draws on insights gained from a comprehensive review of video lessons and expert interviews.

The results highlight the inhibitive nature of certain playing operations, such as the production of compression in the oropharyngeal cavity when blowing air through closed lips. The study underscores the significance of considering individual psychomotor development and emotional states during trumpet lessons. Over time, tension in the throat can become ingrained in motor skills, hindering progress and potentially leading to motor reflex disorders.

In conclusion, the research emphasises the predictability of motor skill difficulties, suggesting that a deeper understanding of the initiation process in trumpet playing is essential. The findings call for a re-evaluation of teaching methods, advocating for a self-led learning model and emphasising the need for trumpet teachers to possess and impart a wealth of truthful information. The article concludes with a call for a shift in perspective, urging students and educators to explore alternative learning strategies, akin to the adaptive approaches employed by admired and talented trumpet players. This study opens avenues for future research into refining teaching methodologies and fostering a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between natural abilities and learned skills in trumpet performance.

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Trumpet

The Trumpet in the Work of Johann Sebastian Bach

The following article is a small analytical contribution of literature for trumpet throughout the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Learn about Gottfried Reiche, the trumpeter who had the fortune of inaugurating most of the composer’s work for this instrument, view the most common trumpets of that time and the connection of factors that allowed an immortal legacy of instrument building during the height of the baroque trumpet era, and what would become of great importance for the future development of this instrument. See, one by one, the cantatas, oratorios, suites and the other sixty-five compositions where the trumpet appears, as well as a brief symbolic analysis and catalogue. This is an enthusiastic perspective, from a trumpeter’s point of view, who admires and rejoices in such works of art; works that are exalted and eternal. There is always a beneficial gift after performing the music autographed by Bach.

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