This post is a summary of an article of the same name by Bernard Fitzgerald from The Instrumentalist (March-April 1947). Direct quotes from the original article are within quotation marks.
Fundamental techniques to be developed in warm-up routine:
- Tone and breath control
- Lip flexibility
- Coordination of tonguing and fingering
“As the student progresses, drills should be included which employ a wider range and demand increasing facility.”
Tone and Breath Control
- Begin with sustained tones in mid and lower registers, not louder than mf.
- Also good for aiding and strengthening embouchure and developing increased endurance.
- Some experts recommend “buzzing” on the mouthpiece.
- Don’t over do it.
- Rest frequently.
- Daily practice for tone control. Beginners should focus on type 1.
- Play steady, controlled tones of good quality without dynamic change with different volumes ( p, mf, f ).
- Sustained tones that change dynamically
Lip Flexibility
- Lip slurs are necessary to develop ability to make changes quickly and accurately.
- Master slow slurs and gradually increase tempo and range.
- Daily practice should include:
- slow, sustained lip slurs regardless of the player’s ability.
- play exercises till able to play it perfectly.
- gradually extend range.
- increase tempo after good control has been mastered.
- interval studies (slurred and tongued)
Coordinating Tongue and Fingers
Herbert Clarke’s “Technical Studies” or similar exercises are important to develop tongue and finger coordination.
Here are some links to learn more about Bernard Fitzgerald:
International Trumpet Guild article - Bernard Fitzgerald 1911-2005
International Trumpet Guild article - Bernard Fitzgerald Commemorative Concert
| R. Bernard Fitzgerald Trumpet Collection Contest and Festival Performance Solos Thirteen Progressively Graded Pieces for B Flat Trumpet and Piano with Audio CD. Fitzgerald's classic pieces and arrangements have appeared on all state contest and festival lists for many years. Now get them all under one cover, with trumpet and piano parts, and an included audio CD with recorded piano accompaniment to allow convenient practice time anywhere. |
