Review

Igino Conforzi
Short Long Steps: Embouchure Development for Brass Players in 100 Lessons
Trumpet

Bologna, , Italy
Publisher: Ut Orpheus Edizioni
Date of Publication: 2020
URL: http://www.utorpheus.com
Language: English

Method book. 40 pages.

Primary Genre: Study Material - method

This method was written for trumpet players, however the subtitle indicates “Embouchure Development for Brass Players.” None of the introductory narrative indicates trumpet-specific instruction, however a planning system of the 100 lessons is indicated for buzzing, trumpet in A, trumpet in B-flat, and trumpet in C, and all notation is in treble clef. This appears to be an adaption of Cichowicz flow studies. In fact, some of the preface instruction sounds exactly like Cichowicz: “Breathe freely provided that the corners of the mouth remain firm...”

It seems that the embouchure development comes from mouthpiece buzzing first, and then putting it on the instrument. There is no specific language that addresses this. The method is divided into four sections: Step 1-10; long tones. Step 11-20; glissando. Step 21-50; smooth. Step 51-100; sliding. These increase in difficulty as you work your way through the book, however nothing is overly taxing. They get longer, have more notes, and expand range; and for added difficulty, “You can introduce key changes, activating a higher level of concentration.”

These exercises are great for isolating transitions between notes and making sure the valve (slide) motion is clean and accurate. For those who can manage the treble clef notation (I’m thinking European brass band players), this is a good supplemental source for players for developing tone production.