UreMusic Education

Jazz trumpet techniques introduce a new spectrum of sound possibilities for composers and trumpet players. Many of the techniques used for jazz music have found use in western art music. Trumpet players who wish to become successful jazz trumpet players must not only learn these advanced techniques but must be capable of employing them on the spot in the middle of a performance. Articulations In western art music, the articulation is controlled from the diaphragm by cutting off air to the note. In jazz trumpet playing, the tongue stops the articulation. Notes cut off with the tongue sound more forceful and provide a cleaner stop. Another component of articulation is the way trumpeters swing the music. Swinging notes involves slightly lengthening the first note in a series and shortening the second note to compensate. The first beat in any composition requires a heavy accent, as the goal of each measure is the next down beat. Valve Technique Valve technique becomes more important in jaz...

Jazz piano playing requires performers to spend a significant amount of time in the practice room running through exercises and techniques to improve playing. Professional jazz pianists spend upwards of three hours per day practicing in addition to performing and many performers also teach to help supplement their income. Pianists need to increase endurance through increasing practice time gradually to prevent burn-out and injury. Composers that want to learn to play jazz piano to make them more versatile should seek the help of a qualified teacher. While it’s impossible to learn to write jazz music from an article online, there are some general tips for composers that want to begin learning about Jazz music. Composers should treat the piano as a tool for composing music. It doesn’t matter if you can play complete pieces in concert, but the added technique gained from learning to play the piano will help you write more effective compositions. Practice playing both major and minor scale...