About Extended Flexibility
Unusual paths to progress
Over the years, many fine methods have been written that help develop, refine, and maintain a trumpeter’s technique. The studies in this book aren’t meant to replace traditional trumpet study material, but to further extend the fundamental skills of playing. Suggested practice of these studies is to only include a few minutes from each section of the book daily.

I. Slurring
Slurring is considered by many to be the foundation of a trumpeter’s flexibility. Interestingly, most trumpeters tend to separate lip and valve slurring in their practice, even though ultimately they need to sound the same.


II. Fingering
There are plenty of published studies that exercise the fingers. Here are a few new ones that work particularly awkward combinations.

III. Mixed articulation
Most traditional mixed articulation studies are based on slurring and tonguing in consistent groups of twos or threes. The familiar patterns in the examples below are not all that difficult because the rhythmic configuration, pattern of notes, and articulation are based on the same number through the whole exercise.
 
Trumpeter Raymond Mase enjoys a diverse career as soloist, chamber artist, orchestral player, and pedagogue. As a member of the American Brass Quintet from 1973-2013, he performed worldwide, premiered countless new works for brass, and is heard on over thirty-five of the Quintet’s recordings. He has contributed his own editions of 16th, 17th, and 19th-century brass music on many of the ABQ recordings and was instrumental in the group’s recordings on Civil War period brass instruments. He is also a founding member of the New York Cornet and Sackbut Ensemble and the Summit Brass.