Customer Reviews

Trumpeting by Nature: An Efficient Guide to Optimal Trumpet Performance

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Trumpeting by Nature is a book intended for people of all ages and levels so while some information may seem obvious to the more advanced student, the same information is a great help to beginners looking for direction in all aspects of playing. Jeanne's methods are based on the principle that each player is responsible for becoming their own teacher and her book is a guide to doing so. By providing explanations, photographs and exercises to develop the different areas of trumpet playing (embouchure, air, tonguing, etc.) she helps the reader find their unique "sweet spot" where trumpeting becomes as relaxed and efficient as possible.

The characteristic that sets this method apart from the rest is the way problems are addressed. There are no generic instructions such as "use less pressure" but instead, each common pitfall is described in terms of how it affects one's playing. Suggested ways of overcoming these habits are then presented in clear, detailed instructions, making Trumpeting by Nature a great reference for trumpeters at all levels with the desire to diagnose and overcome inconsistencies in their playing.

The one addition that would make this book all the better is a quick-reference insert or appendix that includes a glossary and a diagram of the muscles frequently referred to in the book. However, this oversight is far outweighed by the positive aspects of the book which is why it deserves a five-star rating.

After not having played trumpet for several decades, I decided to pick it up again and see if I could get back into playing shape. I played professionally for a number of years, several while attending school studying physiology and organic chemistry. When I ran across Jeanne's book, Trumpeting by Nature, I was very impressed. Not only did each chapter make a world of sense to me, it illustrated and explained things that had bothered me when I was playing every night, sometimes on a split lip. Jeanne also takes the time to focus on the specific anatomical foundations of the embouchure that had never been explained or addressed at any length by any of my past instructors - several of whom are now considered icons in the trumpet playing world. Her discussions of the various muscles involved in the embouchure are both accurate and interesting. I've spent a lot of time researching trumpet literature on the Net and haven't run across any that discusses the specific musculature involved in an embouchure like Jeanne does in her book. I would recommend this book to anyone who's a beginner, a hobbyist, a pro and especially those, who like me, are once again starting out on the instrument. Reading her book and following her advice and instruction has definitely helped me and can certainly prevent or remedy many of the embouchure problems players experience. Following Jeanne's advice has allowed me to return to playing form quicker than I expected with an increase in range that still amazes me. This is a great book, full of interesting and valuable information and needs to be in your musical library.

For those of us who learned to play the trumpet incorrectly or inefficiently, this book is a revelation. Jeanne is known as the "Chop Doc" because of her vast knowledge and her insistence on anatomically correct setup and development. In this book she breaks down absolutely everything pertaining to the playing of this instrument in easy to understand text and using many visual examples. For the past three years my two sons and I have been privileged to be studying with Jeanne and we can tell you that what is in this book works beyond a shadow of a doubt. This book conveys her love of music, the instrument, and the art of teaching in a concise manor and with her trademark positive and encouraging attitude. I have watched her get kids who could barely blow a middle G, to become members of "The High C Club" simply because she told them that she KNEW that they could do it. This is the next best thing to studying with Jeanne. What is in this book will help you learn to play at your highest level for a lifetime.

This is a great book for any level trumpet player. Jeanne is an amazing player who has been teaching and performing for more than 35 years. This book is the collection of her experiences and discoveries over this time, and it will absolutely help any trumpet player improve their playing - from the Jr. High level to College level to Comeback player. Clear, concise, and best of all, IT WORKS! Reading the book is not quite as good as studying with her in person, but it is close. Text is excellent and the photos, which are top quality, illustrate her points very well. Very highly recommended. Enjoy!

The combination of colloquial writing and demonstration photos is great! I'm barely into the book and have already seen (heard) results.

I have known Jeanne for more than 15 years, as a colleague, teacher and mentor. All I can say is WOW. No review I could possibly squeeze into this space will do Jeanne's book any justice. It's as though she is sitting next to you at your stand, telling how it all works. Most other contemporary material out there is in the form of booklets and such, cost the same or more. This is a complete reference, with illustrations and thorough explanations of how to achieve the optimum set-up for yourself. As a working professional musician, I am always looking for tips on how to make my playing more efficient, more musical, more powerful. Jeanne takes you by the hand (it doesn't matter what level you're on, you will learn a great deal here). The best part is, although this book is quite thorough, it is not some dogmatic, rigid, my-way-or-the-highway approach to playing. Jeanne's approach is a flexible (like one's playing should be) cafeteria-style menu of information, technique, philosophy and encouragement. Many approaches to the trumpet have been written and discussed over the years - Adams, Arnold, Maggio, Vacchiano, Stamp, etc. This is destined to be a classic, and rightfully so. Bravo, Jeanne!

This book is a terrific refernce that every trumpet player should have!
Jeqan give concise instructions on every phase of preparation and playing. He r"Chop Check" is especially useful on a daily basis, and her unique warmup is now my daily routine.

I have had the pleasure of studying with Jeanne Pocius, both in person and via the Internet/phone. Hands down, she is truly "THE Chop Doc." She is also a phenomenal trumpet player. Trumpeters around the world consult with her via TPIN. Her approach - both in person and via her published book - is not a "method," but more of a "road map" to efficient and optimal playing. I've had the privilege of seeing a pre-published version of "Trumpeting By Nature." Any trumpeter looking to perform more efficiently and more musically should have this book on the stand or in the case. It's like having Jeanne at your side.

Trumpet players are a weird and rather superstitious lot. We tend to spend much of our time and money looking for magic; the magic horn, mouthpiece or method book guaranteed to help us play higher, faster, and longer than before. Jeanne Pocius' book is a complete, no-nonsense approach to playing the trumpet from how to hold the thing to how to act on a paying gig and everything in between. What makes this a magic book is that it helps us put the magic where it belongs -- in making music.

Jeanne's new book is a delight to trumpeters of all ages. Great information, easy to read, and most of all it comes from a great person! Jeanne is always so willing to help a player in need. I wish I lived closer to her.....

Doug Barta
Parker, CO