James Smock received a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). He has also done graduate work at the University of Utah.
In addition to his studies with Dr. Robert Allison (SIUC) and Nick Norton (Utah
+ more bio informationPart 2 in a 2 part series: I've found a trumpet, now what?Congratulations! You've gotten a trumpet, and are ready to begin your odyssey into the world of making music. Good for you! Unfortunately, you can't just pick up your new horn and play "Star Wars" right away. Too bad, I know, but take heart! Good things come to those w... More..
Kids today are over-committed. Parents want their children to reap the betterments associated with a variety of activities; thus, many school kids are finding themselves stretched to the limit. I don't think it has to be this way, though. Through music education, students can put free time back into their schedules while enjo... More..
Rehearsal is, in essence, an organized attempt to improve your ensemble. Be it a rock band, string quartet, or didgeridoo group, the rules are the same. Follow them, and you'll be amazed and how quickly your sound improves.Rule 1: Schedule Rehearsals. Hoping to "get together some time..." is not going to work. You need to sch... More..
Part 1 in a 2 part series: How to get a good horn.Ok, you want to play trumpet, so you need to get one in your hands right away! But how do you tell a good horn from a bad one? Where do you go to get a trumpet? How much should you pay? Calm down-I'm here to help. Follow my easy checklist, and you'll be on your way!1) Go to a ... More..
Practice DOES NOT make perfect-Practice makes PERMANENT. Therefore, great care must always be taken while practicing. I have no desire to waste practice time, and I'll bet you feel the same way. Here are 10 tips for better, more effective music practice:1. Have a Plan: Set goals, and structure your practice time to meet those... More..
James Smock
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