James Blackwell

James Blackwell is a GRAMMY award winning trumpeter. He believes playing should be fun, rewarding, and musical—and is passionate about helping players worldwide.

*NEW* “FreeTB” Aperture Control Course Available!

April 6, 2021 / Leave a Comment / Random Nonsense / By

Hey everybody – Just launched a new “FreeTB” course on learning to better control the aperture. This is a topic that’s gathered a lot of interest and has really helped to level-up my playing game. I think you’ll find a lot in the series if that’s what you’re into.

Here’s a screenshot of one of the videos.

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The nine-part series dives head-first into the following aspects of aperture control: …

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Understanding and Incorporating the Jazz Language (In VA) – BTBLOG Ep 7

April 13, 2021 / Leave a Comment / Improvisation, Playing Tips / Videos / By

Still waiting for that “light bulb” moment when it comes to understanding and incorporating the jazz language into your own playing? Here’s a super-easy, super-fun method for doing just that (straight from the teachings of one of the greatest improvisers ever). Enjoy!

…

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Michael Davis Interviews Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s Lead Trumpeter, Nick Marchione

April 13, 2021 / Random Nonsense / By

Here’s a fabulous interview by Michael Davis feat. the great NYC lead trumpet player Nick Marchione. Nick’s work with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been largely influential to me, and this interview covers a lot of great information including his work with and how he became the lead trumpet player for the Vanguard band, how to develop a great musical concept, his top five influences as a lead trumpet player (the list might surprise you), what he looks for in a section player, a hilarious anecdote about his experiences as a young working player, and his views on the differences between New York and Los Angeles (I completely agree with his observations on time).

Check it out, it’s super hip….bone……..music. …

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You Are Musically Talented – Stop Trying So Hard (Free “Play Trumpet Effortlessly” Video Course Attached)

April 1, 2021 / Performance Psychology / By

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Why does playing music come so easily to some, while others struggle to make positive changes to their playing?

Is it really that some just “have it,” while others (most) don’t?

The point of this article is to suggest that we are all capable of playing music on a masterful, inspired level, and that those people who seem to make effortless progress throughout their musical lives simply know how to stay out of their own way. …

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Making and Breaking Trumpet Habits (My most POPULAR Video OF ALL TIME)

April 1, 2021 / Leave a Comment / Random Nonsense / By

habits vid

I recently finished reading Jeremy Dean’s, “Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick,” and there is so much good info in this book that can be easily applied to trumpet playing that I had to share. Here’s a comedic review of some of the more practically applicable concepts from the book. Enjoy! …

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How to Reduce Excess Mouthpiece Pressure (Video)

November 7, 2021 / Leave a Comment / Playing Tips / Videos / By

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Here’s a quick video (roughly 7 min) with a few thoughts on how we can alleviate excessive mouthpiece pressure while playing the trumpet. We all occasionally find ourselves using a detrimental (but at the time perhaps necessary) amount of mouthpiece pressure. This can be caused by improper development, habitual subconscious techniques, tired chops, or just playing too damn high and loud. This video is meant to help you alleviate some of that additional mouthpiece pressure by way of adjusting your practice habits so that you can learn to play in a more comfortable manner, more often. Dig it! …

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