Blog Topic: Playing


Analogies: Breathing and the golf swing

Posted: May 6, 2012 by Eric Sperry

As many of my students know, I use analogies almost constantly in lessons. Most teachers find having multiple ways to explain a concept is helpful in connecting with a student. Analogies are one of those ways, so I’ve decided to … Continue reading →

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“Never Say Never Again”

Posted: March 21, 2012 by Eric Sperry

I’ve just learned of a great article that I would like all of my students to read. It discusses many myths concerning “absolutes” when learning or teaching a brass instrument. The title says it best, “Never Say Never Again”. The … Continue reading →

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Precision trumpet playing-here’s why we aim for it!

Posted: March 6, 2012 by Eric Sperry

I often stress the importance of playing accurately to my students. Rhythm, timing, pitch, articulation, style, purity of sound, evenness of tone in all registers, etc. all make the difference between a good player and a great player. I found … Continue reading →

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Groove Therapy – The Band website update

Posted: February 20, 2012 by Eric Sperry

. Groove Therapy, the eight-piece horn band (of which I’m a member) has updated their website. It’s not much at this point, but it’s now a place where you can learn about the band, listen to audio clips, contact the … Continue reading →

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Wayne Bergeron Masterclass!

Posted: December 31, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Wayne is one of my favorite trumpet players and is just a great guy. I credit Wayne for advising me about an important adjustment of my trumpet playing. He’s a wealth of knowledge and a world class player in every … Continue reading →

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Clean Your Trumpet!

Posted: November 14, 2011 by Eric Sperry

A clean trumpet may be the easiest way to give yourself a performance “edge”, and it extends the life of your horn too. It’s just like changing the oil (and other fluids), rotating the tires, routine thorough inspections, and the … Continue reading →

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Adolph Herseth: A living legend

Posted: September 17, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Here’s a fun video of a visit to Herseth’s studio in 2009. Bud shows some of his trumpet collection with his sharp wit and humor. I believe he was 88 at the time of the video.

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Uncle Larry releases new EP House Fly

Posted: July 24, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Read about Uncle Larry‘s new EP House Fly at Documents Unknown. I was fortunate enough to be a guest on this album and really enjoyed laying down a trumpet track. Get out there and support a talented and unique Milwaukee … Continue reading →

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Hakan Hardenberger Masterclass

Posted: July 11, 2011 by Eric Sperry

A video of a masterclass given by one of Europe’s finest trumpet players. Enjoy!

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National Brass Symposium master class

Posted: June 16, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Here’s an excellent video of orchestral brass playing. It’s the famous chorale in the 5th movement of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony. Note the trumpet section is made up of the principals of the New York Philharmonic (Philip Smith), Cleveland Orchestra (Michael … Continue reading →

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