Jeff Carver Music, LLC

     Over the last few months, Jeff Carver has been  keeping extremely busy doing  a variety of  school band clinics for high schools, jr. high schools and middle schools. Schmitt Music Stores has graciously sponsored many of these events. Not only can Jeff do clinics, but he is also available to perform with a chool's jazz ensemble or concert band.

     "I really like doing these clinics as its so fun to work with kids on improving the playing of their instrument. Sometimes, with just a few adjustments, they can improve their  sound and/or range in mere minutes."

     "Many years ago when I was a high school band director, I used to bring in experts in woodwinds and percussion to work with my students. Even though I had a background in all of the band instruments, I felt the student would be better served if I brought in some experts on their instruments to better 'talk their language!' "

     "My philosophy of teaching is not entirely about what is right for me as a trumpet player...or brass player,  because that theory may not be right for everyone. I have certain things I teach because I know they work for the majority of people. However, there is never one fix for every problem. Furthermore, everyone is different. In a clinic setting, I try to go in and teach the things I know work for the majority of people. Time is usually an issue so I need to work fast!"

     "When I go to a school, I usually have a workshop with all the brass, and then I work with the trumpets; either in small groups or in mass. I really like to break the trumpets down into smaller groups, as this lets me hear them more individually and I can be a little more helpful."

     My beliefs as a trumpet player comes down to the a few basic theories. Most of these have come from a 'sifting/sorting' process throughout the years. After attending many clinics, studying with extremely good teachers and performers, and keeping up on current trends in trumpet playing, I have developed what I consider to be my Top 15 Trumpet Teaching Staples."

1. The left hand holds the horn and the right hand plays it.

2. Hatha yoga breathing is the best type for breathing for control, range and power.

3. A warm-up away from the trumpet is the best way to get mentally and physically ready to play.

4. Range is a function of good breathing, compressed air, fast air, a focused aperture and correct tongue placement.

5. Aperture control is important for range and volume.

6. Practice everyday. At least do the warm-up on days when you used to not practice.

7. Practice for achieving goals instead of putting in time. I have a daily routine that becomes my minimum practicing for the day.

8. Your upper body posture sitting down should be the same as standing up; both feet flat on the floor, sitting up straight away from the back of the chair, and head up to make sure the air flows freely through the throat.

9. Play with the embouchure you have, but don't use a lot of lip pressure.

10. Not everyone can play screaming high on trumpet. But with work, most trumpet players can have a consistent F  above high C.

11. The better the trumpet player you are, the more fun it is...and its all about having fun!

12. Different mouthpieces can be used, depending on the job needing done (use the right hammer for the nail!)

13. Listening to recordings of a variety of professional trumpet players helps you get the concept of good trumpet sound in your mind.

14. Do not practice to fatigue; rather practice in small segments with ample rests in between.

15. Practice in all dynamic levels. Practicing loud does not necessarily get you ready to play loud.

** I will have more information and breakdowns of these 15 Trumpet Staples soon - Jeff Carver