Customer Reviews

Sound the Trumpet: How to Blow Your Own Horn

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have played the trumpet, as an enthusiastic, largely self-taught amateur, for many years and own a whole variety of trumpet tutor books; most are incredibly daunting, immediately too demanding and are, all-in -all, not much fun!

This book is quite different - it has a very attractive, friendly approach, is extremely well presented (although I do wish it had been spirally bound), deals with all the basics and more and has plenty of tips and simple, attractive 'how to do,' 'how to approach' ideas. The book is thorough and covers all the basic techniques of playing and the usual pitfalls and problems, but in an attractive, friendly way. There are also, within its pages, pentatonic chord charts, listening suggestions, further sources of study and music, suggested practice routines and charts etc. and even instructions on how to correctly clean and maintain the instrument!

This book will be useful to both the beginner and the more experienced player, is excellent value, and I give it my highest recommendation, but do so wish that it had been in print 30 years ago!!

I played trumpet in high school, rock guitar professionally for ten years and studied piano for as long. After reacquainting myself with some CD's from my youth I was inspired to pick up the trumpet again. Looking for a guide to get me off on the right foot I came across this book. It covers about every topic you can think of concerning the trumpet. It's an easy enjoyable read packed with trumpet history, instruction, recommended CD listening and much more. He deals with classical music as well as jazz. The examples in the book have mp3 files that can be accessed on the author's website. I think any level of player can find something of interest in here.

This has been a great purchase for me. I'm 28 and have just made my first approach to the trumpet, though I've been playing the piano for twenty years. I can't pay a teacher for now and wanted something that would encourage me to face the most difficult part: the beginning. This book deals with everything you need to know about trumpet playing, from the basics to a large number of strategies to improve your performance. It functions well as a reference guide, and in my case is an excellent starting point towards the discovery of this wonderful instrument.

I'm returning to trumpet after 20+ years away. The last time I seriously played was in 8th grade, when braces made it less and less fun.

This book fit my background pretty perfectly. It explains the why, and not just the how. After all these years, it's extremely helpful to see what those exercises were about, and what some of the people around me were talking about. I also like that he's included a large dose of music appreciation in the book, recommending albums and performers to explore, and telling stories that help keep the memories around.

This is a text-heavy book, not a set of musical exercises. Harnum points to a lot of other sources for music, though I think they're largely too advanced for real beginners. (I'm personally getting started again with the Breeze-Easy book I used in 4th grade, which advances pretty slowly. That gives me time to rebuild muscles and remember what I used to know.)

I don't think I could recommend it for a complete beginner. I'd have been overwhelmed if I tried to learn everything from this, as there's simply so much covered. I'm happy to see detailed information on cleaning a trumpet, something I'd never learned before, as well as whole chapters on key techniques, equipment, and outside the trumpet aspects like transposition and performing.

One unfortunate thing, though I don't think it wrecks the book, is that the website now redirects to a site for another book. A lot of the same stuff is there, but I don't see the sample music, which I'm guessing is now on the CD for that book.

Overall, highly recommended!

All you want to know about the trumpet. Not a method book, but a great reference book. It gives much information that method books leave out. Recommend for all trumpet players.

This book is not only enjoyable and info-packed it will remain in my music library as a great reference book. I have been buying a lot of trumpet books lately and, thanks to Amazon reviews, have been very fortunate in my selections. This one,though, is a standout.
One of the threads through a number of the books I have read is that,as in this book, the writers realy project a love for the instument.

This book is the most thorough treatment of the various aspects of trumpet playing that I have seen. Very informative and helpful. Even my current teacher, who has played with the Metropolitan Opera (NYC), was impressed.

This is an excellent book for a beginner or anyone else. I've learned so much with it. I had no prior music experience and this book has introduced the trumpet to me very nicely. Jonathan breaks it down so that it is easily understood and fun to read. It's been my constant companion since I received it and I am progressing nicely.

Very informative book on mny aspects of the trumpet and trumpet playing. An excellent resource for beginners and mid level trumpet students. Lots of information nicely divided into easy digestible pieces.

Love the book for the quick and easy ability to teach and reference countless points. I'm a 62 year old beginner and this is the only Trumpet tutorial that doesn't put me to sleep. It has the vibrance of the trumpet itself.
Thanks also to Amazon for the quick delivery.
Kozmo18