Clarke Elementary Studies, Claude Gordon Physical Approachï¿

[Rhondo]

Hi Folks,

2 months into comeback from playing 2+ years, 30 years ago…

I’ve started in earnest on the Clarke Elementary book and just ordered Claude Gordon’s Physical Approach to Elementary Brass Playing. YouTube has recordings of the Clarke exercises to keep me straight if need be.

I’m practicing a couple times a day for at least an hour total. So far it seems progress is good and I haven’t really pursued looking for a teacher. I record myself from time to time- not so much lately because I have a sense when it’s feeling and sounding good, or not.

I have the Rubank elementary book as well but haven’t used it much.

Are there any other books to recommend? I’d actually like to find a book with simple, familiar songs or hymns(?) to play, but it may be(?) too early for that with the level of my ease of range and articulation at this point.

[JayKosta]

Do google searches for

concone trumpet lyric pdf

and

trumpet real fake pdf
---
you'll find some downloadable files.

Download to your computer, and just print the pages that interest you.
_________________
Most Important Note ? - the next one !
KNOW (see) what the next note is BEFORE you have to play it.
PLAY the next note 'on time' and 'in rhythm'.
Oh ya, watch the conductor - they set what is 'on time'.

[Dayton]

If you will be using Gordon's "Physical Approach," you'll need St. Jacome's "Grand Method" once you get to lesson 6. The St. Jacome lessons that accompany each lesson in "Physical Approach" would replace what you are practicing in Clarke's "Elementary Studies."

Alternatively, you could practice from "Physical Approach" and pair it with David Hickman's "100 Progressive Lessons," which in my opinion covers the bases better than either "Elementary Studies" or the St. Jacome lessons assigned in "Physical Approach."

As for what else to add, I'd suggest an intro book of flexibility studies such as Lowell Little's "Embouchure Builder."

Edit: You asked about a book with simple, familiar songs. Give Eric Bolvin's "The Really Big Student Song Book" a try. It is a great beginner's resource.

Welcome back to trumpet playing!

[Rhondo]

Very helpful Jay and Dayton, thanks!