I have gathered together some of my favourite trumpet quotes that I found. Credit has to go to www.brainyquote.com
"The nerves are a problem on trumpet because when you mess up everyone can hear it. Just remember most people are too polite to say anything about it. That should calm your nerves" Wynton Marsalis
"Trumpet players see each other, and it's like we're getting ready to square off or get into a fight or something" Wynton Marsalis
"There are two sides to a trumpeter's personality. There is the one that lives only to lay waste to the woodwinds and strings, leaving them lying blue and lifeless along the swath of destruction that is the trumpeter's fury. And then there's the dark side." Michael Stewart (adapted from a Nike advertisement)
"Life is like a trumpet- if you don't put anything into it, you don't get anything out of it" William Christopher Handy
"I used to look at these pictures of trumpeters pointing their instrument to the ceiling. Stunning pictures, but if you play the trumpet and point it upwards, all the spit comes back into your mouth!" Humphrey Lyttelton
"Playing the trumpet is such a intangible experience. The player is compelled to start from the beginning and build anew each day... It isnt like building a house, where we resume where we left the previous accomplishments. Each new day we must rebuild the foundation of our musical structure" Armando Ghitalla
Friday 29 November 2013
Saturday 23 November 2013
Christmas Gifts for the Musician 2013
Here I have put together a list of some of my favourite music gifts that I have found on various different sites across the internet. Whether you are buying for a student, teacher, friend or family member, there will be something for everyone. View Pictures of all these products on my Pinterest.www.giftsformusicians.co.uk
A website based in the UK stocking a wide variety of music themed gifts in all price ranges.
- Music Note Socks £4.50
- Trumpet Socks £4.50
- Semi-quaver Necklace £3.99
- iPhone Case £3.99
- Treble Clef Pencil £1.99
A brilliant website that enables you to put your own designs on many different items. International. Here is a selection of some items available with many different designs.
USA based.
A UK based company with a huge variety of gifts.
- Weekly Planner £6.99
- Magnetic Pencil for Music Stands £2.99
- Music Note Necklace £1.99
- Jute Music Design Bag £11.99
- Trumpet Cufflinks £15.99
Uk based company with lots of unique gifts. Ships internationally.
www.musicroom.com
- Ukulele £19.99
- 'Keep Calm and Play on' Mug £6.99
- Musical Ruler £7.99 (a ruler you can play)
- Guitar Cheese Grater £6.99
Wednesday 20 November 2013
£40 Violin, Good or Bad??
Ok so I am not a violinist, but it has always been an instrument that I wanted to have a go at. I picked up a full size 4/4 Windsor violin from Amazon for £40 so that I could give it a go. I didn't expect much for this price but since it was just for fun, I was not prepared to pay any more.
Firstly I would have to say that the case, although very lightweight, is very poorly constructed and in my opinion would not survive a daily commute for long. It has a plastic handle which feels as though it may give way at any time, some sort of back straps which I cannot work out, a pocket on the front of the case too small to fit anything useful in and a compartment inside for rosin etc. The rosin supplied seems to do the job, however I would recommend purchasing some.
On first inspection the violin itself looks the part, however I am no expert. The bridge has to be set up when it arrives, although instructions are included and I found this relatively easy to do. If you were to use this violin for anymore than a bit of 'fun' I think you would probably have to get some new strings, for the price, I'm sure the cheapest strings available have been used. The bow also does't seem very well constructed, so you might have to consider buying one of these too if you were to take playing seriously.
The big problem that I have found with this violin is the tuning pegs. I understand that instruments have to be tuned before you use them, however this violin seems to go horrendously out of tune. The tuning pegs seem to 'slip' making it incredibly difficult to get the strings perfectly in tune - I don't think you would ever want to risk using this particular violin in an orchestral situation!
Firstly I would have to say that the case, although very lightweight, is very poorly constructed and in my opinion would not survive a daily commute for long. It has a plastic handle which feels as though it may give way at any time, some sort of back straps which I cannot work out, a pocket on the front of the case too small to fit anything useful in and a compartment inside for rosin etc. The rosin supplied seems to do the job, however I would recommend purchasing some.
The big problem that I have found with this violin is the tuning pegs. I understand that instruments have to be tuned before you use them, however this violin seems to go horrendously out of tune. The tuning pegs seem to 'slip' making it incredibly difficult to get the strings perfectly in tune - I don't think you would ever want to risk using this particular violin in an orchestral situation!
To go with my violin I decided to purchase a cheap shoulder rest from Ebay. The particular one I bought was adjustable so could be used with a 3/4 and 4/4 violin. I definitely would not recommend buying something so cheap as to be honest it hardly even stays on the violin.
Overall, if you're looking for a violin to teach yourself at home on and to have a bit of fun with, then I would say give this one a go as it will definitely not break the bank. However if you're buying for a student who is going to have lessons or want to take violin playing seriously, then definitely don't go with this one. Spend a bit more money and get something that is better quality, will last and can make a better sound. Stentor seems to be the brand that teachers recommend.
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Yamaha Arius Digital Piano Overview
I am also a pianist as well as a trumpet player and I wanted to share my thoughts on Yamaha's range of digital pianos with you. I have owned a Yamaha Arius digital piano for the last 5 years and it is still going strong. It lives upstairs in my house and so was the only option for me, as a normal piano would be extremely difficult to get up the stairs. It is very light weight and the keyboard comes off the stand to make it even more portable.
It also allows me to practice whenever I want as I can simply plug in headphones and play away without worrying that I am disturbing anyone. This makes it perfect for anyone who lives in an apartment or a busy household. It has two headphone slots to allow a teacher also to listen to you play in detail.
The exact model that I own in the YDP-140 (now discontinued) but there are lots of other models available. Yamaha are well known for there 'Clavinova' series of digital pianos but the Arius is a slightly more affordable range, with many of the same great features. The full range can be seen here. They also come in a range of different wood shades so that they fit perfectly with the decor in your home if you wish.
The Arius has a very authentic piano sound and the weighted keys feel very much like a real piano. Like a real piano, it also has three pedals (damper, sostenuto and soft).
This particular model has six inbuilt voices including harpsichord and string ensemble. This is makes it very fun to play around with! It also has fifty inbuilt classic piano pieces that are in the music book that is supplied with the piano (50 Greats for the Piano). The metronome is also very useful and also allows the inbuilt songs to be slowed down, so that it is easy to play along with them.
This model can also store one recorded track so that you can listen to yourself play, a very useful tool for practicing.
A digital piano is in many ways a great alternative to a real piano, especially because it is a lot cheaper to maintain as it never has to be tuned.
I really like this piano and it has taken me all the way from a beginner to grade 8 standard. Because of its real piano like feel it is perfect for beginners and more advanced players alike. Highly recommended.
It also allows me to practice whenever I want as I can simply plug in headphones and play away without worrying that I am disturbing anyone. This makes it perfect for anyone who lives in an apartment or a busy household. It has two headphone slots to allow a teacher also to listen to you play in detail.
The exact model that I own in the YDP-140 (now discontinued) but there are lots of other models available. Yamaha are well known for there 'Clavinova' series of digital pianos but the Arius is a slightly more affordable range, with many of the same great features. The full range can be seen here. They also come in a range of different wood shades so that they fit perfectly with the decor in your home if you wish.
The Arius has a very authentic piano sound and the weighted keys feel very much like a real piano. Like a real piano, it also has three pedals (damper, sostenuto and soft).
This particular model has six inbuilt voices including harpsichord and string ensemble. This is makes it very fun to play around with! It also has fifty inbuilt classic piano pieces that are in the music book that is supplied with the piano (50 Greats for the Piano). The metronome is also very useful and also allows the inbuilt songs to be slowed down, so that it is easy to play along with them.
This model can also store one recorded track so that you can listen to yourself play, a very useful tool for practicing.
A digital piano is in many ways a great alternative to a real piano, especially because it is a lot cheaper to maintain as it never has to be tuned.
I really like this piano and it has taken me all the way from a beginner to grade 8 standard. Because of its real piano like feel it is perfect for beginners and more advanced players alike. Highly recommended.
Essential Items for Your Music Bag
What to be a model student? Here is a list of some essential items for your music bag:
- Pencil/eraser - Never be without a pencil, you don't want to repeatedly forget an accidental or miss a cut in the music.
- Tuner - It is especially important to be in tune if you're playing within an orchestra. The picture below shows the Trevor James Clip on tuner, read a review here. This particular tuner is very portable and allows you to check the tuning of each note while playing a piece as it clips onto the instrument.
- Practice book/journal - A great place to record what you have to work on and your time spent practicing each week. I would recommend the ABRSM Practice book (shown in the picture below), but an notebook will do the job perfectly. What to know how to keep a practice journal? click here.
- Manuscript paper/book - Useful for writing out any transpositions. The picture below shows the Mickey Mouse manuscript book.
- Pegs - essential for busking or outdoor concerts so avoid the embarrassing moment that your music blows away! The picture below shows the K&M Sheet music Clips.
- Portable metronome - Useful if you need to practice a tricky passage on the go.
Friday 15 November 2013
TGI Conductor's Stand Review
I have been using my TGI conductor's music stand for the last month and wanted to share my thoughts on it.
Firstly it is VERY sturdy. It can hold even the heaviest music books (such as the Arban) without any strain. It is also very easy to adjust to height of the stand and the angle of the shelf.
It is portable and comes with a carry bag. The carry bag isn't the best quality, however it does the job. Personally I use this stand for home use as it is a better option than a folding stand and also a cheaper option than a wooden one.
I paid £25 for this stand which I think is a very reasonable deal considering the quality. I would highly recommend this stand for any musician. It is available to purchase from Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/TGI-Supreme-Conductors-Music-Stand/dp/B000VZC9MG
Monday 11 November 2013
First Steps to Transposition
Transposition is a very useful skill to have, especially for orchestral trumpet playing where parts are often written in a different key. When first learning to transpose start with the most simple and most common key, C:
- Every note has to be moved up a tone (one step). C becomes D, G becomes A and so on.
- Watch out for accidentals. G# becomes A#, Ab becomes Bb. However up a tone Bb is going to become C natural. I find it helpful to imagine a piano keyboard.
- Add two sharps to the key signature (#s will cancel out bs) or work out what key the music is in and take it up a tone. Cmajor + 2#s = Dmajor (2x #s), F major (b) + 2#s = Gmajor (#).
- Start slowly with easy exercises. Don't be disheartened if you can't do it straight away - it takes practice.
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| Trumpet in C |
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| Trumpet in Bb |
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