Blog Topic: Practicing


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 →

Posted under: Live Performance, Playing, Practicing, Videos | Leave a comment


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!

Posted under: Gear, Music Listening, Playing, Practicing | Leave a comment


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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Find time to play with great players

Posted: November 26, 2009 by Eric Sperry

Successful trumpet playing is easier if you have a great model to follow. Putting yourself in situations where you can play with high level musicians is one of the fastest ways to conceptualize and reinforce many aspects of making music. … Continue reading →

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Mouthpiece Buzzing Anyone?

Posted: September 30, 2009 by Eric Sperry

I am way overdue for a new topic. It suddenly occurred to me (as I sit at my computer at 1:00am) that I am buzzing my mouthpiece. I started to wonder why I was doing it and realized it would … Continue reading →

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The Sound of the Trumpet

Posted: May 23, 2009 by Eric Sperry

A trumpet is identified by the sound it produces. There’s nothing else in the world, natural or man-made, that sounds like a trumpet. It’s also one of the easiest instruments for the everyday public to identify. Due to this and … Continue reading →

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What should I practice?

Posted: March 28, 2009 by Eric Sperry

Many of my students have asked me this question:  “What should I practice?” While my response does vary a bit given each particular student’s needs, I do have a basic methodology of practice material. I try to teach my students … Continue reading →

Posted under: Practicing | 2 Comments