Taught by renowned trumpet player
Rex Richardson
Many of us seek excellence across jazz, classical, salsa, pop, and other genres. How do we develop a playing approach that lets us build skill at multiple styles without compromise? With his experience shapeshifting between jazz clubs and concert halls all around the world, Rex Richardson discusses concepts of language, equipment, sound, improvisation and more that enable us to move seamlessly between styles – assuming we first do the work!
Language and Immersion
Rex asks you to consider a first-generation American who grew up speaking another language in the home, but speaks fluent English outside of the home. For this person, they will likely grow up appearing like a native to both cultures. For the rest of us, learning a second langauge can be very daunting! Rex connects this to the idea of learning jazz or classical, depending on your background, and explains how to approach a new style if you've never done a deep dive before.
Skill Building and Equipment
In this lesson, Rex talks about some of the important skills that different specialized players need to cultivate. Every job comes with different expectations, and it's very important to understand these going in. He also debunks some myths about mouthpieces and provides an overview of the different trumpets contemporary players can be expected to master.
Sound and Articulation
We shouldn't need to manipulate our sound in any significant way when switching between styles. Rex plays some simple bending exercises we can do to train our tone to be resonant, explains how to build a routine that incorporates varied articulation practice, and why we all ought to be recording ourselves.
Non-Jazz Improvisation
Improvisation is not exclusively a jazz art form. Most of the European composers we revere were also notable performing improvisors. Rex explains why we should all practice improvisation, how it can help us with cadenzas, and gives us a few simple ways to get started.
Practicing Jazz Improvisation
Rex introduces you to the vast topic of jazz improvisation with three pillars, some advice on how to study theory, transcribe, learning tunes, and much more. He walks through the tune All the Things You Are and shares many beginner-friendly yet insightful approaches to practicing.
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Unlock Course →Rex Richardson is a world-renowned trumpet soloist and professor at Virginia Commonwealth University who has performed in groups as varied as Joe Henderson's Quintet and the Brass Band of Battle Creek.
read full bio →Preview our curated selection of courses below. With lessons covering fundamentals, technical training, style and interpretation, you won't find a more thorough and enriching learning experience anywhere else.
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