Even if you are studying with a good teacher you
can still use some instruction between lessons.
Books are one resource that many players find
useful. They can inspire you or help to teach
you concepts. Recordings are extremely valuable
because we learn best by listening. This page
contains some of my favorite resources in both
categories. Where possible, I have included online
sources for these materials, linked from this
page.
This page is not a complete reference to teaching/learning
materials. Your own teacher undoubtedly has led
you to many good resources. The titles here are
to fill in some gaps, or to help give you inspiration
between lessons.
You should also refer to our pages listing more
books and recordings for euphonium
or tuba.
Books |
 |
Arban's
Complete Conservatory Method for Cornet |
The brass player's
Bible, this book would be my choice if
I could only have one method book. This
complete edition is soon to be available
in bass clef, but for now is only in treble.
Other editions are peppered with errors
and leave out some essential material.
See latest price or to purchase... |
 |
Brass Playing is no Harder Than Breathing |
Written by Claude
Gordon, this book is a great common-sense
look at concepts of brass playing. Gordon's
advice is compelling and easy to comprehend.
See
latest price or to purchase... |
 |
Practical Hints on Playing the Baritone
(Euphonium) |
Brian Bowman's
book is a fine reference for younger students.
He includes practical advice, photos of
proper playing posture, etc. See
latest price or to purchase... |
Recordings |
 |
Sergei Nakariakov: No Limit |
Sergei is an
unbelievable trumpet player. He technique
is breathtaking and his musicianship is
wonderful. He has become my favorite classical
trumpet artist, and this recording is
my favorite of the several he has done.
Trumpet players are arguably the "state
of the art" among brass players.
I often play trumpet recordings for my
students because they may offer the best
examples of some concept I am trying to
teach. Notice the way he will play transcriptions
from string instruments without being
limited by the lesser technical and musical
abilities of the trumpet |
 |
Sergei Nakariakov: Carmen Fantasy |
Another outstanding
recording by this phenomenal young artist.
Includes Bizet's Carmen Fantasy, Arban's
Variations on a Theme from Bellini's Norma
and his Variations on A Tyrolean Song,
Zigeunerweisen, and The Swan. |
 |
Christian Lindberg: Criminal Trombone |
One of the finest trombonists in
the world, Lindberg plays with wonderful expression and dazzling
technique. Listen to his musical mastery of the Schumann Romance
or the Arpeggione Sonata. Click
to hear samples or to purchase... |
|
Rafael Mendez - The Legacy |
This CD contains discussion
of Rafael Mendez by some of the most famous
trumpet artists alive today. There are also
many samples of Mendez's playing. One of
the most valuable music selections on the
CD is from the album "Mendez Plays Arban."
He performs the Arban single-tongue exercises
and gives brass players a model to follow.
Click here to purchase... |
 |
Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity of Rafael Méndez |
Mendez was the first brass soloist
to demonstrate his conviction that a trumpet should play with
as much expression and facility as a violin. His technique
is tremendous, and is especially compelling because he uses
his expression even during some of the hardest passages. Click
to purchase
or to hear sound samples... |
 |
Jascha Heifetz: Brahms Violin Concerto |
There is so much that can be learned
from listening to a true master perform. This classic recording
is one of Heifetz's best, with the Chicago Symphony conducted
by Fritz Reiner. Listen to the musicianship and the variety
of expressive techniques used by Heifetz.
Click here to order or to hear sound samples... |
 |
Empire Brass Quintet - Class Brass |
This ensemble is one of the finest
examples of chamber brass playing. On this album you will
find a mixed musical style, including Procession Of The Nobles,
Polovetsian Dances, Dance Of The Comedians, and many more.
Beautiful instrumental style by every player in the group.
Click here to order or to hear sound samples... |
 |
Gerard Schwarz: Cornet Favorites |
Wonderful interpretations of cornet
solos by Clarke, Arban, Simon, etc. Schwarz's playing is very
tasteful and his control serves as a fine example. Listen
to the way he always sounds relaxed even in difficult passages.
Click here to order or to hear sound samples... |
 |
Free
Recordings of David Werden |
My own recordings
of some popular solos with The United
States Coast Guard Band. There are complete
recordings available for free in either
Real Audio or MP3 format. It's hard to
beat the price -- free. Learn
more... |
|