Trumpet with James B.

Hi there, My name is James Blackwell and I love trumpet playing! While it can be frustrating from time to time - especially before developing your confidence as a trumpet player - learning what it takes to make daily progress as a trumpet player is incredibly rewarding and super fun! I am passionate about sharing these insights with students so that you may discover your sound and play the music you enjoy as quickly as possible! As an instructor, you can expect lessons that are practical, straight-forward and easy to understand. The concepts that I impart on my students are those that have helped me survive a career as a full-time lead trumpet player and the challenges associated with performing every day. My approach is to learn and develop the basic fundamentals of efficient brass playing. When you get your habits straight, the rest comes easily. Unfortunately, many students fall into some not-so-helpful habits along the way, and may find themselves struggling with range, quality of sound and endurance - even after many years of playing. However, with some simple and encouraging guidance, you can learn to master the instrument and the the music you enjoy! All lessons offer both clear explanations and laid-out progressions that start where you are, and get you moving in the right direction from the start. I do hope to see you for a lesson. All age groups are welcome to apply and I love teaching beginners. If you have particular needs you are wondering about, please send along a message and I will respond as soon as possible. A bit about me...I began playing 23 years ago and hold two degrees in jazz trumpet performance - one from the University of North Texas where I played lead trumpet in the GRAMMY nominated One O'clock Lab Band, and another from the University of Southern California. During this time, I spent nine years in Los Angeles as a professional trumpet player recording for television, record dates and many types of live performances from the theater pit to the 10,000 seat rock show. I am currently the lead trumpet player for the Brian Setzer Orchestra (of The Stray Cats fame) and have held that position since 2012. Aside from this, I love jazz, improvisation, and the big band style - everything from the early swing era to the contemporary writers of today is my music of choice! As a lead and jazz trumpet player I have performed with Bob Mintzer, Carl Saunders, Scott Whitfield, Rich Perry, Willis (Bill) Holman, Ron Stout, Peter Erskine, Poncho Sanchez and many others.