Charley Davis

Practice Suggestions

see Charley's thoughts on "Bel Canto"

see Charley's thoughts on solving problems with lead playing

Charley is a Student of:

• Bill Adam

Equipment:

• Bach Bb Trumpet (37 Sterling Plus Bell)
• Kanstul Piccolo Trumpet
• Bach C Trumpet (239 Bell)
• Bach mouthpieces 3C-24 throat, 3B-24 throat (for "classical" playing), 3C/D (1/2 way between a C and D cup) (for extreme lead playing), 3D-24 throat/117 (backbore for piccolo playing)
• Charley has a line of mutes available through Rayburn Music
• see a list of bach users

Fundamentals:

• James Thompson Buzzing Basics Book (with CD)
• Bill Adam Routine
• Arbans (slurring section-slowly)
• Herbert L. Clarke Technical Studies (#1-3)
• Charles Colin Lip Flexibilities
• St. Jacome's

• Charley's flexibility endurance exercise

• Kenneth Bloomquist Pedal Tone Study (when tired)

Legit Studies:

• Robert Getchel First Book of Practical Studies (transposed)
• Marco Borgdoini Vocalise
• Kopprasch Studies
• Charlier

Fundamental Suggestions:

• Take a deep, relaxed breath and focus in on the sound and making it relaxed and full.
• Take a full breath and put it through the horn.
• Keep the mouthpiece in one position on the chops for all registers.
• Charley recommends his students play on a Bach Stradivarius (standard 37) with a stock Bach 3c mouthpiece.
• Charley practices a minimum of 3 hours a day.
• Play with a slow, hot air stream.
• Endurance difficulties are usually due to tension in the breath.
• Keep the corners of the embouchure anchored and the center flexible.
• When tired (during the practice routine) use the pedal tone study followed by 5-10 minutes rest.
• Use the "Ah" in all registers to keep the sound open.