Welcome to LeadTrumpet.ca - the home of Dave Prentice, Calgary's newest and freshest trumpet player, arranger, teacher and clinician.
Comfortable in all styles from Big Band Lead to Musical Theatre, Symphonic or Baroque, Dave has accumulated over 20 years of playing experience, including 10 years as Musical Director of Edinburgh University's Jazz Orchestra, Scotland.
He currently resides, teaches and plays in Calgary, Alberta, where he has been active recording, arranging and performing music dating from the 17th century to today's Big Band Jazz Funk.
Have you ever thought why a trumpet behaves the way it does when you play? Why a note gets higher? Why a note gets louder? It all comes down to the air stream flowing through the instrument.
Taking control of the air stream is the absolute key to being a successful trumpet player, especially in the upper register.
The air stream is very fine jet of air passing through your lips into the trumpet mouthpiece. The speed of the air determines the frequency at which the skin on the lips vibrate. Faster air results in a higher frequency (and therefore higher pitch). Controlling this very fine air stream while remaining relaxed requires technique and practice.
Let me show you my top 3 strategies for controlling the air stream … [read more]
Upper body tension is the trumpet player’s worst enemy! One of the hardest things to do as a trumpet player is to face a challenging phrase without becoming tense. Tension makes it harder to play the trumpet in many ways: airflow, blood circulation, muscle memory development and mental concentration to name but a few.
By training yourself to relax when playing, especially in extreme playing situations (loud, high, super fast, solo, ppp etc); you stand the very best chance of succeeding.
Let me show you my top 3 relaxation strategies… [read more]