Trumpet
Emailed in Question; Orchestra VS Big Band
Hey Jason,
Thanks for sending me your email Jason. That’s a pretty hard question to answer but I’ll do my best : ).
I guess I can just tell you the things that I find tricky between the 2 genres. I think that you will have to draw your own conclusions based on your own strength as [...]
Green Hornet Video
Plain and simple: Here it is, no links, just the Video!!!
If you want to read more about the Film Orchestra take a look at the Sound Ideas Page.
The 1 to 7 Arban Challenge
Recently I’ve found that my practice regime has been lacking (to put it mildly) and as a consequence my progress is flat lining.
So in an effort to re-inspire and pick myself back up I will be trying a 30 day run of a new technique inspired by a fantastic trumpet player (to be named in [...]
Jo Ral Straight Mute; The Strongest Straight You’ll Find
Like most trumpet players I started with a Dennis Wick straight mute, which I used all the way up to the Conservatoire.
It was there I met serious trumpet players in and out of college. This gave me the chance to try a whole range of mutes and find what suited me with experience rather than [...]
Blue Juice - The Valve Oil Of Kings
The subject of; “who makes the best valve oil?” is a widely disputed topic as there are 2 main features you look for.
Some do one better than the other but it’s Blue Juice that seems to be get it right:
1) It’s slick
(The whole purpose of the oil, making your valves move freely and quickly)
2) It [...]
Trial and Error - The Experience That Build A Musicians Extra Bag
Spending my life playing the trumpet I’ve gone through all sorts of equipment, mutes, trumpets, valve oils, cases, music etc.
This is why I will dedicate one post a week to writing about my experiences with these different things. Good to Bad, Recommendations to Warnings.
If you have anything to add, whether you agree with what I [...]
Jo-Ral Harmon Mute Review
(Americans will know this as the Jo-Ral Bubble Mute)
In my opinion, the best harmon mute there is.
It keeps its tuning with a fantastic sound whereas other mutes usually compramise in one or both these areas. The copper mute in particular has a darker and rich sound. You’ll also find that most harmon mutes have a [...]
Calicchio Review
An honest review without the jargon
I play on a Calichio Ultra Heavy weight Trumpet. The initial reason I chose this trumpet was to counteract my naturally bright tone as the heavier model (with thicker valve caps and a bigger bell) give it a darker sound than other models and trumpets.
The trumpet is free-blowing which makes [...]
Instrument Damage
This post is inspired by an old friend of mine who uses a trumpet stand.
He recently left his trumpet on the stand whilst going to the bathroom. On his return he moved his chair back to sit down. Of course when he reached for his trumpet, to his horror he realised that he had put [...]
Updated Virb Playlist
I’m pretty new to the Virb but for me it’s got the formula right for social networking sites. Especially for musicians.
I’m sure I’ll post on this once I’m into it a bit more. For now I’ve updated my albums on My Virb Page to include The Sound Ideas Film Orchestra, a few samples of my [...]

