Trumpet Curriculum

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

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

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: October 20, 2014