Frequently Asked Questions

How do I work on my range? By having a clear understanding of the methodology
behind flowing the wind, with consistency, through the horn at a high rate of speed.
How do I project my sound? By having a clear understanding of the methodology
behind flowing the wind, with consistency, through the horn at a high rate of speed.
How do I work on single and multiple tonguing? By having a clear understanding of
the methodology behind flowing the wind, with consistency, through the horn at a high
rate of speed.
How do I eradicate tension in the throat? By having a clear understanding of the
methodology behind flowing the wind, with consistency, through the horn at a high rate
of speed.
How do I keep from using so much pressure, especially in the upper range of the
instrument?
By having a clear understanding of the methodology behind flowing the
wind, with consistency, through the horn at a high rate of speed.
What kind of mouthpiece should I use to play jazz on the trumpet? A mouthpiece
that is accommodating to the embouchure and allows for full embouchure resonation to
generate sound production.
What kind of mouthpiece should I use to play classical music on the trumpet? A
mouthpiece that is accommodating to the embouchure and allows for full embouchure
resonation to generate sound production.
What kind of mouthpiece should I use to play lead in a trumpet section of a big
band?
A mouthpiece that is accommodating to the embouchure and allows for full
embouchure resonation to generate sound production.
What kind of trumpet should I use to play jazz? One that emulates a pure trumpet
sound and your unique mental perception of sound.
What kind of trumpet should I use to play classical music? One that emulates a pure
trumpet sound and your unique mental perception of sound.
*The answers to the above questions may seem cynical or even unsympathetic, however
the reality of playing a brass instrument with any longevity, across musical genres and
on a professional level, dictates the same answer to many questions. In order to
improvise on the trumpet you have to be able to convey your ideas very clearly. This
cannot be done without a clear understanding of the trumpet itself, a mental perception
of sound and consistent airflow.

How do I improvise? Listen to those who are able to do what you are not able to do.
This ideology is synonymous with other facets of life but really strikes a chord with
regard to jazz improvisation. If there are local jazz musicians in your area, go to hear
them perform. Listen to what they are playing and try to imitate what they are doing
regardless of their instrument. Write down the name of the tune they are performing and
try to find a recording of that tune. Extract any useful information from the recorded
solos and apply to your own improvisational concepts.
Who should I listen to and what recordings? Anyone who generates inspiration in you,
regardless of the instrument. More specific to the trumpet, I recommend starting out with
the Miles Davis recording “Kind of Blue.” This is a very important recording in jazz
history and is very easy to understand musically. Also check out who Miles’ sidemen are.
They too have recorded as leaders and have used other trumpet players who may inspire
you in some way. This can turn into a revolving research of sidemen and leaders,
resulting in the familiarizing of your knowledge of tune repertoire, recordings and jazz
personnel.
Should I consider transcribing solos? Yes, if this is truly helpful in your quest to learn
jazz improvisation. People learn jazz improvisation in different ways. Some can hear an
improvised idea from a recording and immediately recreate it on their instrument. Some
use transcription their sole learning tool for jazz improvisation and some use both. If
transcription is the most affective method for you to learn jazz improvisation, I strongly
advise you to do so and I support your efforts. The menu item “Transcribing Solos”
should provide some direction toward your transcribing efforts.
Should I sit in at Jam Sessions? Yes, but there is an etiquette involved. See the menu
item “Jam Session Etiquette”.
How long will it take me to get a grasp of the jazz language and develop a personal
style of improvisation?
This totally depends on how you decipher information and how
aggressive you are in your pursuit for jazz improvisation. Some people do learn faster
than others, however it still will not happen over-night. You have to put the work in and
develop your craft. Also keep in mind that once you start to learn jazz improvisation, you
are entering into a state of continuous development regardless of your skill level. This
development will continue for as long as you are actively involved in learning and
developing your style of jazz improvisation.