Elementary Studies For Trumpet

Musical score

Preeminent cornetist, feature soloist, bandmaster, and composer Herbert L. Clarke (1867-1945) lays the foundation for a lifetime of trumpet mastery in this beginner's guide. Clarke presents a thorough exploration of trumpet dynamics, artistry, and the subtle nuances of musical expression using thirty lessons and 116 simple exercises designed to build up the "embouchure," a term applied to forming the lips, positioning the mouthpiece, strengthening and training the facial muscles, and acquiring endurance to produce a pure tone. Perfect for honing skills and building a solid repertoire, these annotated studies are arranged in order of complexity -- crucial for players of all ages, from students to teachers and anyone serious about trumpet performance.

There are many books written for the Piano, Violin, etc., entirely devoted to Technic. This Work is especially written to enable the Student, by practice and application, to overcome any obstacle which may occur in musical passages written for the Cornet. By controlling the Wind Power to play these Exercises as written, in one breath, the Student will acquire ENDURANCE without strain or injury. Train the Muscles which control the Lips, to make them elastic and strong, as only a slight pressure is necessary, and not brute force. The highest as well as the lowest notes can be played with equal tone quality if practiced according to the instructions that precede each Study. Every Cornet Player should have reached a degree of excellence before attempting to play these Exercises. To become an Expert on the Cornet, one should be familiar with as many Cornet Methods as possible, and so gain the experience of each. Every Exercise in this Book is possible, and not so very difficult if practiced slowly at first, and not too long at a time. I have used them for my daily practice for years, and they have been the means of my reaching the highest notes after playing a two-hour Concert, also of preserving my lips so that they never tire, and what has been a help to me is surely good for other Cornet Players. You cannot expect to attain the highest point of excellence without hard work and perseverance. Never be perfectly satisfied with yourself. Try to make some improvement each day, feeling that it is a pleasure to have conquered that which seemed an impossibility at first. Do not neglect to correct immediately the least fault you make. Bad habits are easily formed, but are difficult to remedy. There are few Celebrated Cornet Soloists, although thousands play the instrument. Most players abuse their practicing by not knowing the proper way, and neglecting to pay more attention to the elementary work. These Studies have been found to be excellent for Clarinet Players as well as Cornet Players. The Clarinet being a Wind Instrument also, all these Exercises will appeal to the Player of that Instrument by following the same instructions.

This First Book of Practical Studies is designed to develop chord consciousness and to provide additional experience in the fundamental rhythms, key signatures and articulations and to improve accuracy in reading through the use of interesting and melodic studies. It may be used either to supplement or to follow any beginning method book.

A complete pedagogical method for students of trumpet and cornet, this "brass bible" contains hundreds of exercises from basics to advanced. Includes the author's famous arrangement of Carnival in Venice.

The Second Book of Practical Studies is designed to logically extend the techniques already presented in the First Book and also to introduce and develop new techniques and rhythms that will offer a challenge to the intermediate student. Through the use of slightly more difficult and more extended studies, it is hoped that the material included in this book may more fully develop general musicianship and more feeling for style and interpretation and thus act as a foundation for solo literature.

*"The rhythm and flow of words perfectly match the art while advising readers to choose love and use their voices in a powerful song." --School Library Journal (starred review) From rising country star Jimmie Allen comes a lyrical celebration of the many types of voices that can effect change. From voices tall as a tree, to voices small as a bee, all it takes is confidence and a belief in the goodness of others to change the world. Coming at a time when issues of social justice are at the forefront of our society, this is the perfect book to teach children in and out of the classroom that they're not too young to express what they believe in and that all voices are valuable. The perfect companion for little readers going back to school!