Wesley Nance, Instructor
Level I
Suggested Methods
- James Stamp, Warm Ups and Studies
- James Thompson, Daily Play Along
- Richard Grunow, Jump Right In Solo Book 1
- Yamaha, Band Method Book 1
Sample Solos – Level 1 NYSSMA
- Snell, K., Belwin Master Solos, Vol. 1: Trumpet Easy
- Fitzgerald, B., English Suite
Musicianship
- Learn to hold the trumpet correctly
- General maintenance and operation of the instrument
- Introduction to correct posture and breathing
- Develop foundational buzzing on the mouthpiece to develop a strong sound
- Rudimentary articulation
- Introduce rudimentary integrity of rhythm and intonation
Goals
- Major scales 2 sharps/flats
- Memorize fingering from low C to middle G
- Learn to read treble clef if not already proficient
- Long tones on basic scale patterns to develop sound
- Buzzing Mouthpiece by ear to match pitch
Level II
Suggested Methods
- Herbert L. Clarke, Technical Studies for Cornet
- Robert Getchell, Practical Studies for Trumpet, Vol. 1
- Hering, Forty Progressive Etudes
Sample Solos – Level 2 NYSSMA
- Getchell, R., Master Solos: Intermediate Level
- Snell, K., Belwin Master Solos, Vol. 1: Trumpet Intermediate
Skills
- Lip slurs and flexibility
- Varied articulation, staccato vs. legato; tongued vs. slurred
- Dynamic control – adding crescendos and diminuendos to long tones
Goals
- Develop range above third space C
- Introduce chromatic scales (Clarke 1st study)
- Learn and memorize remaining major scales
- Prepare and perform a piece with piano
- Prepare and perform a duet with teacher, developing rhythm and intonation
Level III
Methods
- Charles Colin, Advanced Lip Flexibilities for Trumpet
- Rubank, Intermediate Method for Trumpet
- Concone, Vocalise
- Arban, Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet
- Aebersold, Volume One (Jazz Improvisation)
Sample Solos – Level 3 NYSSMA
- Handel/Barnes, Sound an Alarm
- Butchel, Bolero
- Snell, Belwin Master Solos, Vol. 1: Trumpet Intermediate
Skills
- Sight reading
- Continued development of dynamics and articulation
- Keeping a consistent tempo with a metronome
- Rhythmic problem solving
Goals
- Increased finger dexterity (Clarke Studies 2,3,4)
- Introduce minor scales – 2 sharps/flats (natural, harmonic, melodic)
- Range above top space E
- Long tones should be even and powerful
- Should be mastering basic articulation and dynamics in all combinations
Level IV
Methods
- Charles Colin, Advanced Lip Flexibilities for Trumpet
- Rubank, Intermediate Method for Trumpet
- Concone, Vocalise
- Arban, Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet
- Aebersold, Volume One (Jazz Improvisation)
Sample Solos – Level 3 NYSSMA
- Handel/Barnes, Soun an Alarm
- Buchtel, Bolero
- Snell, Belwin Master Solos, Vol. 1: Trumpet Intermediate
Skills
- Sight reading
- Continued development of dynamics and articulation
- Keeping a consistent tempo with a metronome
- Rhythmic problem solving
Goals
- Increased finger dexterity (Clarke Studies 2,3,4)
- Introduce minor scales – 2 sharps/flats (natural, harmonic, melodic)
- Range above top space E
- Long tones should be even and powerful
- Should be mastering basic articulation and dynamics in all combinations
Level V: Diploma Level
Suggested Methods
- Gates, Odd Meter Etudes
- Sachse, 100 Studies
- Rubank, Advanced Method for Trumpet, Vol. 2
- Vizzuti, Methods (all books)
- Goldman, Practical Studies
- Johannes Rochut, Melodius Etudes (bass clef)
Sample Solos – Level 5 or 6 NYSSMA
- Geodecki, Concert Etude
- Hummel, Concerto for Trumpet
- Hindemith, Sonata for Trumpet and Piano
Skills
- Continued development of orchestral sound and rhythm
- Mastery of double and triple tonguing
- Mature ability to match sound and intonation in a duet or section situation
- Introduction to orchestral excerpts
- Continued study of transposition (down a step, up and down a Minor 3rd)
Goals
- Range to high C and up
- Simple transposition on sight
- Listen to orchestral recording for repertoire and sound concept
- Efficient and effective practice at home
- Participate in NYSSMA honor groups at local and state levels
- Continued performance opportunities
- Audition for RPYO
- Basic mastery of the technique in the Clarke book
- Major and minor arpeggios
Level VI: Honors Level
Suggested Methods
- Brandt, Orchestral Etudes; Last Etudes
- Charlier, Etudes Transcendents
- Reynolds, 48 Etudes
- Smith, Top Tones for the Trumpeter
- Smith, Orchestral Excerpts for Trumpet, Vol. 1-10
- Bousquet, 36 Celebrated Studies
Sample Solos – Level 6 NYSSMA
- Haydn, Concerto for Trumpet
- Arutunian, Concerto for Trumpet
- Kennan, Sonata for Trumpet and Piano
- Honegger, Intrada
Skills
- Orchestral excerpts, intensive study
- Advanced transposition (up and down minor and major thirds, up and down fourths, up and down fifths)
- Independent musical interpretation
- Musical leadership in a duet/section situation
Goals
- Prepare a compelling college audition, using all of the above materials
- Mastery of orchestral excerpts
- Have the student mentor/teacher a younger trumpet student from their school
- Push boundaries of technique and musical expression
- Continue to develop and cultivate a love for music that will stay with student through college and beyond
Last updated: 10/20/14