Taught by renowned trumpet player
Chris Gekker
Etudes are excellent ways to address specific technical and musical challenges. But where do we begin? Chris Gekker provides some guidance as we navigate the many thousands of etudes we have to choose from. He divides etudes into categories based on their function, and dives deep into his approach to practicing them in this course!
Intro
In the first lesson, Chris goes over his philosophy of why etude practice is beneficial, and describes the categories of etudes he focuses on for this course.
Phrasing with Charlier
In the category of so-called "bread and butter" etudes, Charlier No. 2 is the most noteworthy. This lesson suggests a blueprint for how any etude work might be done: begin with the context and history of the composer, and proceed to identify the major challenges. Chris Gekker describes why this etude is so famous, and why it's perfect for working on solid entrances.
Transposition
Using Getchell No. 92, Chris demonstrates how he approaches transposition. He tries to practice in every possible key, from a fifth up to a fourth below, but recommends beginning by transposing a simple melody up a whole step.
Multiple Tonguing Etudes
Focusing on our K tongue is the surest way to develop skill at multiple tonguing. Through analogies with other disciplines, Chris shares how slow practice helps us to approach fast playing in a more relaxed way.
Complex Etudes
Certain etudes go beyond the demands of most everyday playing, and they require special treatment. How do we consistently challenge ourselves as trumpeters without doing damage? The Marcel Bitsch etudes are excellent places for the advanced trumpeter to begin (and Chris recommends a few other collections in this lesson).
Damage Control
When we're feeling spread, tired, or somehow inefficient on a given practice session, there are certain etudes that Chris likes to turn to. Soft, middle register tonguing seems to get his aperture feeling responsive after any degree of heavy playing!
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Unlock Course →Chris Gekker has done everything a trumpet player can do – from playing Guest Principal with the New York Philharmonic to lead trumpet in the Count Basie band to playing with the American Brass Quintet for eighteen years – and everything in between.
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