[TPIN] Total Trumpet - Mike Davis

[John Hines]

Dear listmates

I rarely if ever go out of my way to plug any new practice method or study 
material. I'm making an exception right here to applaud the efforts of Mike 
Davis and his new method called "Total Trumpet". This is a book that 
contains a marvelous set of contemporary etudes and a play along CD. There 
are 2 recordings per etude, a "music minus one" track and a track that has a 
pro trumpeter modeling the etude. And who are the pros? The trumpeters 
featured here are some of the very best in the business. Yes, names like 
Phil Smith, Jim Hynes, and Randy Brecker.

As well as the etudes and the play along CD, there is plenty of useful text 
and narrative. There is an introduction by Davis and then there is an 
explanation preceding each individual etude, written by the pro that models 
the etude. In the back of the book there are biographies of Smith, Hynes, 
Brecker, and of course Michael Davis himself.

I found the etudes to be refreshing, relevant and not least of all very 
challenging. This is not beginner or even intermediate level study. These 
etudes are advanced, and if you can cut them you would likely be comfortable 
playing along side the best in the business.

For the record, this endorsement was not solicited in any way. I just wanted 
to pass along this information to anybody who is looking for an advanced, 
modern and fun approach to studying and practicing contemporary music for 
the trumpet.

If anyone is interested in obtaining the "Total Trumpet" method, here is a 
direct link to the web page:

http://www.hip-bonemusic.com/totaltpt.htm


John Hines

NY freelancer