How to Play Trumpet the James Morrison Way: Trumpet DVD

Morrison distills his four decades of performing experience into direct, practical instruction on the technical and musical foundations that matter most. Rather than abstract theory, you get the habits and approaches of someone who has played at the highest levels across multiple genres, making this especially valuable for trumpet students serious about developing professional-level technique.

This is mentorship condensed into instruction. Morrison's passion for the trumpet comes through in his teaching, making technical work feel purposeful rather than mechanical. You're not just learning exercises; you're absorbing decades of problem-solving and musicianship from someone who has performed at the highest level.

Trumpet students at the intermediate to advanced level who are ready to move beyond basic technique and want to learn from someone with genuine mastery of the instrument. This DVD is equally suited to jazz players seeking to expand their improvisational capabilities and classical players looking to develop greater versatility and control.

• Isolate the breathing patterns Morrison demonstrates before applying them to full passages; breathing efficiency transforms endurance across long phrases and multiple high register passages
• Study his articulation approaches for both smooth legato passages and crisp staccato work, then practice each style separately before combining them
• Apply his range-building concepts gradually; pushing your upper register too quickly without proper foundation work leads to tension rather than growth
• Record yourself applying his projection techniques in different room acoustics; what projects in a rehearsal space may need adjustment in a performance venue

Assign sections of this DVD as part of individual practice routines during the season, particularly for students working on extending range or improving articulation consistency. It works equally well as a supplementary resource during jazz band season or as a summer preparation tool for students looking to deepen their technical foundation before the fall.

• Breath control and efficient breathing mechanics
• Range extension through proper technique
• Articulation clarity in both legato and detached styles
• Sound projection and resonance
• Endurance for extended playing sessions
• Application of technique across jazz and classical contexts