Applied Trumpet

(Lead Trumpet)

Course Description:

Applied lessons are designed to guide students in improving technical proficiency and overall performance with a specific concentration on lead trumpet. Students will gain further understanding of the role of lead trumpet in ensemble settings, and receive comprehensive instruction in developing skills and concepts for effective performance application.

Course Objectives:

  • Explain the role and responsibilities of the lead trumpet.
  • Aid in developing fundamental skills to improve range, time, sound, reading ability, and overall performance.
  • Expose students to essential method books, practice methods, techniques, and literature to develop an effective practice routine.
  • Promote knowledge of influential lead players, repertoire, and their contributions to the craft.
  • Encourage active listening and study of transcriptions to improve stylistic interpretation and feel.

Student Objectives:

  • The student should have an understanding of the role of the lead trumpet.
  • The student should have a working knowledge of the instrument and equipment.
  • The student should be able to sight read according to his/her level of study.
  • The student should have practical range for lead trumpet work.
  • The student should have a regular practice routine tailored to their personal development.
  • The student should demonstrate the ability to properly phrase and interpret music in relation to style, period, and genre of a given piece.
  • The student should be able to lead the trumpet section and communicate with the ensemble.
  • The student should be able to rehearse a trumpet section.
  • The student should demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot problem areas and utilize learned tools to develop a course of action to correct them.
  • The student should have a working knowledge of influential lead players, repertoire, and their contributions to the craft.

Course Expectations:

  • Students are required to attend all lessons.
  • Students must be prepared and on time for all lessons.
  • Students must keep a lesson journal to keep track of assignments, notes, etc.
  • Students must perform one assigned (or instructor approved) transcribed solo.
  • Students must actively listen to jazz recordings.
  • Students must actively seek out and attend live jazz performances.

Areas of Study

  • Breathing technique/breath-building/compression
  • Warm up/warm down techniques
  • Embouchure and aperture development
  • Long tones/Flow study exercises
  • Articulation studies
  • Extended flexibility studies
  • Calisthenics
  • Range development studies
  • Etudes
  • Sight reading
  • Solo transcription
  • Listening examples

Method Books

  • Arban’sComplete Conservatory Method
  • Clarke Technical Studies for the Trumpet
  • Max Schlossberg Daily Drills and Technical Studies for Trumpet
  • Charles Colin Advanced Lip Flexibilities
  • Top Tones for the Trumpeter – Smith
  • Twenty-Seven Groups of Exercises for Cornet and Trumpet – Earl Irons
  • Practical Studies for the Trumpet – Goldman
  • Thad Jones Lead Trumpet Book
  • Basie-Nestico Lead Trumpet Book

Method of Evaluation/Grading

Students will be evaluatedbased on progress and performance of assigned exercises and transcription, overall preparedness, and attendance.

Performance 40%

Preparation 30%

Attendance 20%