Course Syllabus

Buzzing and Acoustics

Dan defines the basic physics underlying sound production on the trumpet, and explains how that translates into the idea of resistance. He connects this to an overview of buzzing, both on the mouthpiece and leadpipe, and shares what to know about each.

First Principles of Practice

Virtually all our technique exists under the two umbrellas of balance and timing as they pertain to air, embouchure, fingers, and the tongue. Dan explains how to take this simplified model and problem-solve efficiently in the practice room.

Activation Routine: A Warm-Up Concept

Dan explains why "warming up" can be a less useful phrase than thinking of "activating" the elements of your technique. He takes you through his routine, from leadpipe to breath attacks to an expanding sequence of bends and arpeggios.

The Menu: Activating our Technique

When it comes to building on Dan's basic activation routine, the purpose is not to follow a prescriptive series of exercises. Instead, Dan explains the idea of the "menu," a set of basic exercise types which we can use to practice with creativity, balance, and efficiency.

Integration: Adding Challenges to our Warm-Up

Once we develop a fluid and flexible response in our activation routine, Dan shows us how to integrate challening technical work into the early part of our day.

Flexibility and Control

Control on the trumpet is a function of flexibility. Dan explains why Bai Lin and Schlossberg are two of the most important resources for this, and how he's modified these simple exercises in unique and valuable ways.

Expansion: Incremental Progress

We all want to build our abilities on the trumpet! Dan explains how we can make long-term incremental progress by focusing on just the outside edge of things we can already do well. His expansion series contains a creative workout set in chromatics, pentatonics, Arban and Clarke variations, and much more to challenge your fingers and your brain!

Bonus Round: Pairing Tonalities

Dan shares one more expansion concept: pairing simple exercises in multiple tonalities to navigate key center changes. He establishes loops that cultivate a focused and zen-like relationship to contrasting harmonic sound worlds.

The Warm-Down

Perhaps you've heard about the importance of warming down (or "cooling down"). Dan explains why it's so important to bring the body and mind back to a place of elasticity every day. He also shares some thoughts on rest, and how vital it is to keeping us fresh.

Improvisation with a Drone

All musicians can benefit from practicing improvisation, even without studying jazz. Dan explains in this lesson how to approach improvisation practice with a simple drone and a single major scale, how to listen for tension and resolution, and how to tune into your inner melodic ear.