Blog Topic: Practicing


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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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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The $100 investment that keeps on giving

Posted: March 28, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Before you buy another mouthpiece, spend some money on something that will improve your sound and musicianship far more than an equipment tweak. Good musicians do a great deal of music listening, whether examining their own performances, finding new interpretations, … Continue reading →

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Air: Fuel for your brass instrument

Posted: March 9, 2011 by Eric Sperry

When it comes to brass playing and teaching, I believe concepts of air usage are underrated. I’ve noticed this with new private students, clinic situations, state solo/ensemble contests, and observation of various student and amateur ensembles. Many music teachers are … Continue reading →

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Exercise the brain too!

Posted: February 4, 2011 by Eric Sperry

Sometimes as brass players we forget to involve the brain as much as we should. Obviously, the brain is always active coordinating our breathing, lips, and fingers so that we may make a good sound and play the right notes … Continue reading →

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Song and Wind – Charles Vernon style

Posted: January 26, 2011 by Eric Sperry

I stumbled across an excellent YouTube video of a masterclass given by Charles Vernon, bass trombonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He speaks on a variety of brass concepts in regards to Song and Wind, a methodology of the late … Continue reading →

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The studio!

Posted: January 20, 2011 by Eric Sperry

I’ve recently re-vamped my home studio. This is “the laboratory” for lessons, practicing, study, or anything else music. I’ve recently added a web cam (this is the view)-more pictures to come!

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Time to change your practice routine!

Posted: January 3, 2011 by Eric Sperry

I’ve realized over the past couple weeks that I am long overdue for changing the material in my practice rotation. It’s always a good idea to “switch it up” every three to six months, so that you keep your mind, … Continue reading →

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