Allen Vizzutti

practice suggestions

see a recent version of Allen Vizzutti's recommended warm up exercises

Equipment:

• Yamaha 6335 (heavy wall) Bb trumpet

• Yamaha 6345 (heavy wall) C trumpet

• Yamaha 9830 piccolo trumpet

• Marcenkewicz Custom Trumpet Mouthpiece (fairly shallow cup and cushioned/wide rim-near a Bach 4)

• Yamaha 631 Flugelhorn

• see a list of Yamaha users

Fundamentals

• Buzz Mouthpiece (glissandos)
• 4 Legato, 4 Staccato notes low C down to low F#
• Basic Major Triad Slurs
• Long Tones/Pedal Tones as needed
• Lip Flexibilities
• Clarke Technical Studies
• Multiple Tonguing Combinations
• Intervals
• Range (slur octaves-up by 1/2 steps)
• Velocity

Fundamental Suggestions:

• Always return to the basic mental process of focusing on the breathing mechanism and relaxation.
• Less thought about the embouchure better.
• Analysis is paralysis.
• Keep the corners tight and focused and a free and open vibrating surface.
• Keep a steady flow of air from the breathing apparatus through the horn to the back of the concert hall.
• Every so often, take a day off in good conscience knowing you will return refreshed.
• Keep an equal sound in all registers.
• Use a hand vibrato vary its speed and depth according to style.
• Raise the tongue to increase the velocity of the air.
• Use the pivot system but move as little as possible.
• Hold the horn lightly and increase the air velocity to correct left hand pressure difficulties.
• Pressure should not exceed the amount that the embouchure can handle (the point where the sound cuts off).
• On gig days, practice intelligently hard early in the day with a rest between.
• Don't hold back in sound checks.
• Fall back on good habits.
• Hammer the valves down firmly.
• As you become tired, focus on the air, back off the dynamics, and avoid thinking about tired corners.
• Be aggressive.
• Use common sense in practicing.
• Experiment.
• Take every opportunity to perform.
• Break down the barriers of the trumpet.

Jazz:

• Tunes
• Scales
• Chords

Jazz Suggestions:

• Emphasize the emotional aspect of the music.
• Build up an "harmonic ammunition" that you can draw on during a solo.

Allen Vizzzutti has written an excellent intermediate series of 3 trumpet books that are available through Alfred Publishing or Bella Musica