The impetus for this study was the question of whether extended techniques are actually being taught in college trumpet studio settings as standard skills necessary on the instrument. The specific purposes of this document included: 1) catalogue the extended techniques available to today’s trumpet performer, 2) reflect on their current use and address the question of how and when students are introduced to extended techniques, 3) contribute pedagogical exercises and suggestions to aid trumpeters in the study of some of the more challenging techniques, and 4) conclude with a Guided Approach to the literature detailing suggestions for the study of the twenty pieces referenced in this document.
A survey was conducted of the current pedagogical status of extended techniques at the collegiate level. The online survey, which included questions regarding how and when students are introduced to extended techniques in their study of the trumpet, was completed by 166 college and university trumpet studio teachers from the United States and Canada. Examination of the results offers a unique view of the attention currently being given to extended techniques in college trumpet studios; they provide insight into specific teaching materials and performance repertoire being used by studio teachers today.
Within each chapter pedagogical exercises assist in the study of certain techniques. The exercises are written as an introduction to many of these techniques, offering opportunities to experiment with the more challenging techniques before encountering them in the literature. Two specific techniques, multiphonics and flutter tonguing, are covered in greater detail with a larger collection of exercises. Pedagogical suggestions offered by the survey respondents are also included.
Finally, the Guided Approach to the literature was compiled. Twenty pieces were selected and arranged in an order that provides a progressive approach to extended techniques; each piece is catalogued through an individual profile which provides practical information regarding the piece: date, publication information, length, range, style of notation used, equipment requirements, who the piece was commissioned by or written for, a listing of all extended techniques employed, a listing of existing recordings, and a commentary concerning its particular challenges and benefits of study. The goal is to provide a resource for those who might not be familiar with the repertoire and help them choose appropriate literature for their students’ level of experience with these techniques.
There exists a need for additional pedagogical materials that can be used to introduce extended techniques to students of the trumpet. The document is designed to aid the serious student of the trumpet in meeting all the expectations of the repertoire.