This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring jazz trumpeter Clint Baker Plog, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Clint Baker is a seasoned bandleader with over 40 years of experience in the music industry. Having traveled the world and shared his musical talents in both Europe and Asia, Clint has established himself as a versatile musi…

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpeter and composer Anthony Plog, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Come visit John and the Bob Reeves Brass crew at the National Trumpet Competition, March 8-11th! Anthony Plog has had a rich and varied international career in music—as a composer of operas, symphonic music, and chamber …

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring lead trumpeter Dave Trigg, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Dave Trigg is a distinguished trumpeter whose career spans over four decades, marked by versatility and collaborations with some of the most iconic names in music. Starting his professional journey in 1979, Dave made a significant…

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring jazz trumpeter/cornetist Marc Caparone, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Marc has been listening to classic jazz his entire life and is dedicated to keeping the traditions of the great early jazz trumpet players alive. His specialties are the jazz trumpet styles of the 1920’s and ‘30s, and…

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to practice ii-V7-I Licks. In this particular episode, you will learn; What a ii-V7-I lick is Why they are important How to practice ii-V7-I licks An easy ii-V7-I lick to play in all 12 keys Download the Easy ii-V7-I Lick here; My favorite ii-V7-I books for practicing licks in all 12 …

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpeter Yturvides, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. You can follow Yturvides on the following social platforms : Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, X(Twitter), and Spotify. About Yturvides Yturvides Vilchez, born in Maracaibo, Venezuela in 1980, began his musical journey at age four, masterin…

This episode of "The Other Side of The Bell" is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Please enjoy this conversation with John and world-renowned trumpeter, Chris Botti. Chris was featured back in Episode #24, and now again in Episode #113 with the release of his first album in over 10 years. A video version of this episode is also available on YouTu…

Welcome to Episode #112 of "The Other Side of the Bell", a podcast brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. In this episode, John talks with Wayne Bergeron and Jeff Bunnell about their recently released album called "Homage" by the Los Angeles Trumpet Ensemble. We hope you'll enjoy their conversation as well as the album. Join us at Dillon Music, Novemb…

This podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join us at Dillon Music, November 9-11 for valve alignments and mouthpiece consultations. Email sales@dillonmusic to schedule an appointment! David Washburn is a Yamaha Performing Artist and serves as Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. A much sought-after musician in Los Angel…

Mike Price is a professional trumpet player, formerly living in Tokyo, Japan. He composes and performs with the Mike Price Jazz Quintet or Orchestra. Originally from Chicago Illinois, he was a student of Vincent Cichowicz (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) while getting a degree from Northwestern University. Following 3 more years studying jazz compositi…

William Bing has recently retired as Director of Bands and Artist in Residence at the California Institute of Technology. During that time, he conducted over 250 concerts with the Caltech Jazz and Concert Band. He also served on the undergraduate admissions committee and was named an outstanding teacher by the students from Caltech Bill and his wif…

Chris O’Hara is an internationally renowned trumpet soloist, a chamber musician, and educator. His playing is described as “virtuosic and impressive in every way” (Chicago Music Examiner), and “a treat beyond measure” (Arlington Advocate), and the International Trumpet Guild Journal hails him as a “true master of [the] instrument.” Already in his y…

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise on the Henry Mancini classic “Pink Panther”. This is the solo section only. It can be found in the second trumpet part in the Big Band composition and arrangement by Henry Mancini. Be sure to stick around to the end, grab your horn, and let’s trade 2 and 4-measure phrases…

The newest directions in 21st Century trumpet performance are being explored and defined by Courtney Jones, an award-winning Bach performing and recording artist who has also emerged as a leading figure in contemporary performance and pedagogy, conducting, and service to inner-city youth through music outreach programs. An artist who transcends sty…

Marissa Benedict was born in San Francisco, California and raised in Marin County where she started playing piano at age 7, violin at age 9 and trumpet at age 10 (studying with Joe Alessi, Sr.). She continued playing all three instruments until graduating from high school and moving to Los Angeles to attend USC, earning a Bachelor of Music degree i…

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about my thoughts on the jaw position when playing the trumpet and how the Cat Anderson “whisper G” may help with jaw awareness, endurance, range, and overall sound. In this particular episode, you will learn; The importance of jaw position when playing the trumpet and how it affects range a…

In this episode of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about my embouchure change journey, the resources I used, and a few tips on how to physically and mentally prepare yourself for what to expect. In this episode you will learn; The difference between an embouchure change and an embouchure adjustment How to mentally prepare for a change Resour…

Roy Wiegand is a versatile and renowned trumpet player in the Los Angeles area. He has toured and performed with such well-known acts as The Who, Bobby Womack, Tom Jones, Mel Torme, Harry James Orchestra, and Wayne Newton. Roy has also shared the concert stage with artists like Shakira, Michael Bolton, Jeffery Osborne, Amy Grant, Matchbox 20, John …

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over an easy way to improvise over the Miles Davis jazz classic “Four”. Items mentioned in this podcast (click the descriptions for access); “Major Scale Patterns for Jazz Improvisation” (Free version in C only) “Major Scale Patterns for Jazz Improvisation” (In all 12 keys) My jazz play-along/…

Keith Snell has pursued a multifaceted music career as a trumpet soloist, freelance musician, composer/arranger, conductor and educator. His earliest musical training and performance experiences began at the age of six when he began learning to play the cornet in the Los Angeles Congress Hall Salvation Army Band. Keith performed with this world ren…

Neal Berntsen joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra trumpet section in March 1997, having been appointed at the invitation of Music Director Lorin Maazel in 1996. He is a native of Tacoma, Washington. He began his musical studies at age five playing the violin under the tutelage of his mother. By age eight he advanced to the trumpet and ultimate…

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over what to practice and how long to practice each topic in order to improve your improvisational skills. In this episode, you will learn; What types of scales to practice for maximum improvement. 4 things to practice to improve your improvisational skills. Multiple jazz resources. Items ment…

Christine Kamau is a Trumpeter, Composer and Performing Artist from Kenya. Her Trumpet playing has been described as 'a wide-eared approach to jazz, paying attention to various styles without losing the jazz tonality'. Kamau credits her musical influences to Hugh Masekela, Maroon Commandos, Miles Davis among others. In 2012, Christine Kamau release…

From playing lead trumpet at Carnegie Hall in New York to presenting for The International Trumpet Guild Conference, Yamaha Artist Greg Spence, has “been there and done that,” on the world’s biggest stages as a performer and educator. After publishing two top-selling books and the WindWorks course, Greg now spends his life sharing his wealth of kno…

Trumpeter/composer/arranger/bandleader/educator Tony Kadleck is one of the most sought-after trumpet players on the New York City scene, and has been for some time. He moved to NYC in 1986, following his studies at the New England Conservatory–and a stint in the trumpet section of The Buddy Rich Big Band–and his phone has been ringing ever since. F…

In this episode of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over the “Kansas City” blues scale, how to use it, and how it differs from the regular blues scale. The Blues Shuffle in Bb Concert play-along used in this podcast is available on YouTube here. In this particular episode, you will learn; What a Kansas City Blues scale is 10 short phrases, or “…

Sarah Belle Reid is a performer-composer who plays trumpet, modular synthesizer, and an ever-growing collection of handcrafted electronic instruments. Her unique musical voice explores the intersections between contemporary classical music, experimental and interactive electronics, visual arts, noise music, and improvisation. Often praised for her …

David Krauss is the prodigious host of Speaking Soundly, Co-Founder of ANM, and Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. As a soloist, he has performed with the All-Star Orchestra on their Emmy Award-winning PBS broadcast and was praised by the American Record Guide for his "singing tone, which is luxurious and inviting." He has perfo…

Larry Meregillano is a Eclipse artist/clinician. He started his professional career playing in big bands in San Diego in the early 1970’s. In 1976, he was hired to play in Tom Ranier’s Show band at Disneyland. A year later, Mr. Meregillano joined the gospel group Truth and soon after went on to perform and tour with The Bill Gaither Trio. While tra…

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over different ways of adjusting your embouchure for maximum sound and efficiency, how to be your own best trumpet teacher and a list of suggested books for embouchure development. In this podcast you will learn; Different ways to adjust your embouchure for better sound and efficiency through …

Body Mechanics Mastery Course Two years in the making, this is the most comprehensive trumpet course on the net! For all levels of players from beginners to seasoned pro's. Whether you're a soloist, lead player, symphonic, jazz, commercial or other, you'll learn the science behind total mind body integration resulting into amazing sound, musicality…

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about how using major scale modes to improvise can be an easy way to navigate through many different chord types. In this episode you will learn; What the seven major scale modes are An easy way to remember all seven modes How to apply the major scale modes to multiple types of chords Why us…

Lasse Lindgren works as a jazz musician, trumpet player, composer, rehearsal leader, bandleader and lecturer. Ever since Louis Armstrong’s unique trumpet voice captured my ear at the age of five, I have tried in different ways to express myself with my own individual voice on the trumpet, an instrument I was given at the age of eight. I was born in…

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over Chet Baker’s jazz lick on his rendition of “I’ll Remember April”. Download the free PDF of Chet Baker’s jazz lick in all 12 keys here In this particular episode, you will learn; How to swing like Chet Baker How to analyze this solo How to approach practicing jazz licks in all 12 keys Why …

In this session of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise on the jazz standard “I’ll Remember April” using six different major scales. I also discuss chord theory, scale analysis, and modes used for improvisation. In this particular episode, you will learn; The six major scales you can use to improvise over the entire song. How …

In this session of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I review the third step on navigating through minor iib5-V7b9-i chord changes using three different scales. My YouTube tutorial on “Diminished scales and Theory” My YouTube Play-along for “Minor iib5-V7b9-i Chord Changes in All 12 Keys”. Download the free PDFs for “harmonic minor scales” and ” ii7b…

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about an easy way to navigate through a minor ii7b5-V7b9-i chord progression using two scales. Download Step 1 one of the three-part series here; JLTP 039: ii7b5-V7b9-i Chords/Three Levels of Improvisation (Step 1) In this particular episode, you will learn; What a harmonic minor scale is An…

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about the three levels of improvisation in regards to minor ii7b9 V7b9 i chord progressions. In this podcast episode, you will learn; What a minor ii V I chord progression is. How using the relative Major scale is an easy way to improvise over all 3 chord changes. Why the Major scale works o…

Classical Trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden has built a rapidly ascendant career as a soloist, praised for her “splendid, brilliant” playing (Gramophone Magazine) and the clarity, purity, and power of her sound. A Gold Medal Global Music Award Winner, Opus Klassik Nominee, and Yamaha Performing Artist, Mary has also worked to establish a new repertoi…

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over the different scales and chords you can use to improvise over the George Gershwin classic “Summertime”. Items mentioned in this podcast; Drum Genius Mark Levine Jazz Theory Book Major Scale Patterns For Jazz Improvisation E-Book In this particular episode, you will learn; The four scales …

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, you will warm up along with me on your trumpet. Be sure to download the free PDF of all of the exercises here; www.jefflewistrumpet.com/warm-up-with-me/ Items mentioned in this podcast; Max Schlossberg’s “daily drills and technical studies for trumpet” In this particular episode, you will learn; Th…

Attending Towson University in Maryland,Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years. Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on over 6000 recordings with artists such as Lady A, Lacy Kaye, Dave Barnes, Lance Neilson, Jeremy Lister(Street Corner Symphony) Fame Gang, Lyl…

Paul Litteral was born and raised in Western Kentucky and by the fifth grade he knew that he was going to play the trumpet. After enlisting in the U.S. Navy as a musician, Paul began to build his career in New York, playing in Broadway hits such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Chorus Line and Chess. In 1978, Paul and saxophonist Arno Hech…

In this podcast, I talk about my lessons with Claude Gordon and offer some tips on how to navigate this 52-week trumpet course written by Claude entitled “The Systematic Approach To Daily Practice”. In this particular episode, you will learn; How to use the pedal note exercises found in the warm-up and range exercises. The other books used in his m…

Born in Luxembourg, Philippe Schartz developed an early interest in the trumpet from listening to his father play in the village wind band. His passion was cultivated by his teachers who have included Dino Tomba, a great friend and mentor. He continued his studies at the Royal College of Music in London with the late David Mason, and then was invit…

Philip Lassiter is an 11-time Grammy award winning horn/string arranger, and former section leader/arranger of Prince and the New Power Generation. Currently based in L.A., Philip has quickly garnered respect as the go to arranger and trumpet player for iconic artists such as: Prince, Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande, Timbaland, Roberta Flack, Jill Sco…

A native of Dallas, Texas, retired Los Angeles Philharmonic trumpeter Boyde Hood received his BM degree in trumpet performance from the Eastman School of Music and master of music degree in theory and composition from Ball State University. He is a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and performs regularly with the Philharmonic's New Music Group…

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, we talk to trumpet player and educator James Blackwell. James is a GRAMMY award-winning trumpet player for his work on the jazz albums of Clare Fischer, Bob Mintzer, and the University of North Texas One O’clock Lab Band. Apart from his work as a jazz lead player, James has performed as the lead tr…

James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays trombone, piano, saxophone and double bass. At the age of six he started on piano, at seven he took up brass, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His…

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about how finding a mentor can greatly increase your chances of success as a trumpet player. In this particular episode, you will learn; The differences between a mentor and a teacher How asking the right questions can jump start your trumpet progress Tips on how to find the best teacher How…