Author: trumpetchris
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Trumpet Warm-Up Routine Timer for Brass Players
Trumpet Warm-Up Routine Timer for Brass Players Looking to make your warm-up more focused and consistent? Try this 30-minute routine timer—I’ve seen it transform players’ sound, endurance, and efficiency in just a week. Whether you play trumpet, horn, trombone, or tuba, this guided routine will help you build healthy playing habits. More info on how…
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How much should I practice?
How much should I practice? Developing the Right Mindset for Efficient, Effortless Trumpet Playing The word practice is an interesting one. In one sense, it’s time spent working out kinks and uncovering inefficiencies — what we do to improve the many skills required to play the trumpet well. In another sense, trumpet is our practice…
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BEST TRUMPET METHODS: 7 METHOD BOOKS EVERY TRUMPET PLAYER SHOULD OWN – REVISED 2025
I owe my success as a trumpet player to my parents, my teachers, and many many of hours of practice from the books listed below. I’ve categorized each book based on 3 criteria: You won’t find a professional trumpet player who hasn’t used most, if not all, of these books. As always, if you think there are books that should…
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Hide and Seek for Brass Quintet – sheet music and new recording!
New live recording of my arrangement of HIDE AND SEEK by Imogen Heap! Live from BRASS DAY at Ithaca College!
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New Brass Quintets Now Available!
New Brass Quintet music by Clara Schumann and Dvorak now available!
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New Trumpet Duet featuring Amy McCabe and Chris Coletti
Inspired by composers such as Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Tys Music and Brandon Ridenour, this flashy duet never stops! It takes advantage of finger combinations that sound harder than they are, enabling blazing speed and constant motion. The world premiere was done at Rafael Mendez Summer Brass Institute 2024 in Denver, CO and was part…
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Concerto for Jazz Trumpet by Dana Wilson – II. “There must be a reason the leaves decay”
Dana Wilson’s Concerto for Jazz Trumpet performed LIVE by Chris Coletti!
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Concerto for Jazz Trumpet by Dana Wilson! Played by Chris Coletti and Cornell Wind Symph…
Dana Wilson’s Concerto for Jazz Trumpet performed LIVE by Chris Coletti!
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Experiment: Practicing Live on YouTube – tune in here!
Today (1/10/24) I experimented with a simple concept—what would happen if I simply live-streamed my practice session? Not expecting anyone to care, watch or listen, I simply did my thing. I did notice i was more focussed, and more aware of quality (both VERY good things in a practice session). And, to my delight, a…
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“What do you think is the most neglected aspect of practice or preparation?”
17 pro trumpeters discuss how to practice and prepare better // Episode 8 of 15 That’s the question asked to 17 different world class trumpet players from around the world. Hear what they had to say, improve your practice sessions and supercharge your performances with all of their incredible advice. This is the 8th video…
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“How do you get into the zone before a performance?”
In this video you hear one question answered by 17 different world class trumpet players from around the world. The question for today’s video is: “How do you get into the zone before a performance?” This is the 5th video in a 15 video series. (originally recorded in 2020) 0:00 Intro 0:23 Guests 0:48 Question…
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“How do you deal with the ever increasing distractions with practice?”
17 pro trumpeters give practice tips on dealing with distractions // Episode 7 of 15 That’s the question I asked 17 different world class trumpet players from around the world. Hear what they had to say, and take control of your time and practice sessions with all of their incredible advice. This is the 7th…
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“What does a typical practice day look like, and does that differ from an ideal practice day?”
17 pro trumpeters discuss overcoming their struggles // Episode 1 of 15 0:00 Intro 1:12 Michael Sachs 7:30 Bria Skonberg 8:43 Chris Coletti 11:40 Bijon Watson 13:07 Tage Larsen 14:32 Randy Brecker 19:18 Ingrid Jensen 20:36 Brian Lynch 26:52 Jose SIbaja 27:51 Arturo Sandoval 31:05 Selina Ott 32:03 Roger Ingram 38:22 Lessie Vonner 40:21 Karin…
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“Advice for a younger version of yourself?”
In this video you hear one question answered by 17 different world class trumpet players from around the world. The question for today’s video is: “What advice would you give a younger version of yourself?” This is the 5th video in a 15 video series. (originally recorded in 2020) 0:00 Intro 0:16 Guests 0:57 Question…
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“What’s one thing that you struggled with in your playing, and how did you overcome it?”
“What’s one thing that you struggled with in your playing, and how did you overcome it?”
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New Video: “Transcendental Etude X” by Brassology
The Brassology “Transcendental Etude X” video is now on YouTube!
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Kevin Day: PYROTECHNICS for solo trumpet and Wind Ensemble (LIVE video performance)
Chris Coletti performs Pyrotechnics by Kevin Day with the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble Conducted by Louis Menchaca
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HK Gruber: AERIAL – Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra (LIVE performance video)
Here is my performance of HK Gruber’s AERIAL – Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra performed by Chris Coletti and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Gregory Vajda Just learning this piece turned out to be the most formidable musical and technical challenges I’ve ever taken on. This led to many breakthroughs, epiphanies and insights…
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Katherine Balch: NEW GEOMETRY | Conducted by Chris Coletti | IC Contemporary Ensemble
Katherine Balch’s NEW GEOMETRY as performed by Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble conducted by Chris Coletti on April 14th, 2022 in Hockett Family Recital Hall in Whalen Center for Music in Ithaca, NY. Composer’s Notes (from composer’s website): “New Geometry takes its title from a scene in Tom Stoppard’s play, Arcadia. In this scene, young Thomasina…
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New Video! Julius Eastman: JOY BOY as performed by Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble
I’ve been doing more conducting these days – literally a dream come true – please enjoy Julius Eastman’s JOY BOY as performed by Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble conducted by Chris Coletti on April 14th, 2022 in Hockett Family Recital Hall in Whalen Center for Music in Ithaca, NY. Notes (from PitchFork Magazine): “The welcome revival…
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New Video: HOW TO BREATHE UNDERWATER
Chris Cerrone: HOW TO BREATHE UNDERWATER as performed by Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble on April 14th, 2022 in Hockett Family Recital Hall under the musical direction of Chris Coletti. Composer’s Notes: “How to Breathe Underwater is a portrait of depression. In the same way that composers of the 19th century wrote miniatures based on the…
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Podcast: Chris Coletti interviewed on StudioHFL
In case you missed my interview on StudioHFL with creator and host, Larry Powell, here it is! Watch via Facebook: Watch via SoundCloud: More articles: Featured Oct 23, 2024 Hide and Seek for Brass Quintet – sheet music and new recording! Oct 23, 2024 New live recording of my arrangement of HIDE AND SEEK by…
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New Video! NOCTURNE by Lili Boulanger
Lili Boulanger’s beautiful “NOCTURNE,” arranged for trumpet and piano by Chris Coletti. Amazing piano playing by my fellow Ithaca College professor, Vadim Serebryany. Recorded at Ithaca College School of Music Hockett Family Recital Hall. Nocturne was written in 1911 by Lili Boulanger when she was 18. Born in 1893, Lili was a musical prodigy–both as…
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New Video! “Flintstones” – Jacob Collier – Trumpet Cover by 7 Chris Colettis
A tribute to Jacob Collier and his GRAMMY-winning arrangement of MEET THE FLINTSTONES transcribed and performed by 7 of Jacob Collier’s biggest fans on trumpet (all happened to be named Chris Coletti) 🙂 Check out Jacob’s musical universe ➡ https://jacobcollier.lnk.to/Follow And check out mine: ➡ instagram.com/trumpeterchris ➡ facebook.com/trumpeterchris ➡ twitter.com/colettitrumpet ➡ trumpetchrisblog.com
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Summer plans?
If you’re reading this, it’s very likely you will LOVE attending the Rafael Mendez Summer Institute this summer! It will be virtual, so no traveling necessary, and as of recently, it’s completely FREE!!! You’ll still have to register to access the classes and recital, so be sure to sign up here. In addition to master…
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Crypto Currencies: Bitcoin, Etherium, DOGECOIN?! What You Should Know
If this is your first article about BitCoins, it may too late for you to become an accidental millionaire buying low and selling high, but it’s certainly not too late to learn more about how Bitcoins work–after all, much of the world (including “investors”) still don’t.There’s no denying that Bitcoins have changed the way humans…
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Podcast: “Who was your most influential teacher?” with 17 trumpeters // Episode 2 of 15
I recently had the honor of appearing on Josh Rzepka’s podcast along with some REALLY fantastic trumpeters (full list below). The idea was for all 17 of us to answer the same 15 questions. This is the 2nd video of 15. “Who was your most influential teacher?” Here is my response, along with those by…
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Podcast: “What does a typical practice day look like, and does that differ from an ideal practice day?”
I recently had the honor of appearing on Josh Rzepka’s podcast along with some REALLY fantastic trumpeters (full list below). The idea was for all 17 of us to answer the same 15 questions. This is the 1st video of 15. “What does a typical practice day look like, and does that differ from an…
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Some thoughts on improving slurs after an embouchure change…
Going through an embouchure change can feel like a huge setback, and you may even doubt whether the change was the right decision. After all, if it feels and sounds worse than your old setup, how do you know you’re on the right path? In these situations, its critical that you start with something that…
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New video! CopLand: “Quiet CIty”
I am SUPER excited to present you with my most recent virtual performance, Copland’s QUIET CITY, featuring musicians from none other than the incredible Philadelphia Orchestra! In additional to playing solo trumpet, I also produced and edited the video, so I REALLY hope you check it out 🙂 The video is the capstone to a post by The…
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Best Gear for Online Music Lessons (and PPE recommendations for Brass Players) Here are a few pieces of gear you might want to consider getting in preparation for in-person rehearsals, lessons and/or concerts. Keep in mind, I am not a MD, nor do I play one on the internet, but these items purportedly limit aerosol…
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LIVE from the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute: FACULTY RECITAL
Tune in at 8pm ET to hear the faculty of the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute present their virtual performances, including a world premiere of Anthony Plog’s Symphony for Brass! My contribution will be my BRAND NEW transcription of JACOB COLLIER’S grammy winning arrangement of FLINTSTONES — something I’ve been working on for quite a while.…
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IVES: The UNANSWERED QUESTION
I am very excited to share this virtual performance of Charles’ Ives’ UNANSWERED QUESTION by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. This is our first time making music together since COVID-19 shut down. the world, and it’s also the first project I produced, edited (audio as well as video) and performed in. Enjoy! -Chris Featured TRUMPET ETUDE:…
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Some thoughts on articulation…
How your articulation sounds is a matter of personal taste. Established styles do require a certain sound so it doesn’t sound silly–a classical articulation in jazz is just as strange as a jazz articulation in classical music. Of course there is an infinite number of variations in every style, so it really does come down…
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Some thoughts on practicing…
How to have the right mindset when you practice, improve efficiency and develop an effortless approach The word “practice” is an interesting one. In one sense it’s time spent working out kinks and uncovering inefficiencies—it’s what we do to improve the various aspects required to play the trumpet well. In another sense trumpet is our practice—a daily…
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Discounted Trumpet Lessons
One-on-one online trumpet lessons Chris Coletti—discounted for a limited time Experience one-on-one lessons from a world-famous musician with over 10 years of experience performing in the finest concert halls in the world with the legendary Canadian Brass, as soloist and as Principal Trumpet in some of the finest orchestras, and college professor at the Ithaca…
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MARK GOULD Chats Music and Trumpet
Mark Gould chats with Chris Coletti and Canadian Brass trumpeters, Caleb Hudson and Brandon Ridenour in episode 2 of Quarantine Classes
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Q&A with Chris Coletti and Dr. Aaron Witek!
On Wednesday April 1st, 2020 Ithaca College Trumpet Professors Chris Coletti & Aaron Witek gave a Q&A webinar live on Facebook moderated by our Graduate Assistants, Shaun Rimkunas and Angela King. Questions addressed included: How to stay motivated How to develop a pure, full sound and eliminate any air in your tone How to balance…
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End Grain Cutting Board DIY
End grain cutting boards are super sweet. They expose a really interesting looking part of the wood, the “end” of the lumber, which preserves your knives–since the wood fibers are pointing up, you aren’t cutting against the grain (imagine putting a knife through a handful of hard spaghetti sideways vs up and down).There are a lot of…
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Podcast: Trumpet Chris, Daddy Chris: Life at Juilliard, How to Move Your Audience and Inside the Decision to Step Away From A Dream Gig
Topic highlights: Career aspirations as a young conservatory student…9:54 Life like as a student at Juilliard…12:38 To specialize, or not to specialize…17:40 The foolproof method of winning a job in an orchestra…21:47 Baptism by fire: first days in the Canadian Brass…30:10 How having a family shifted priorities as a musician and performer…34:10 And much more……
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Radio Interview: Chris Coletti on WLRH’s “Morning Blend” with Host Dorrie Nutt
Back on September 10th, 2019, I was interviewed by Host Dorrie Nutt of the “Morning Blend” show on WLRH public radio in advance of my second-to-last performance with Canadian Brass. She is a great interviewer, and, as you can probably tell by our rapport, we’ve been friends for many years—Dorrie only recently retired from the…
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10 Year Anniversary
I joined Canadian Brass 10 years ago this week — in August 2009. I was only 24, and even as someone with big goals, I never thought I’d be touring the world many times over for a decade with the group I grew up listening to. I was young, single, and dedicated all of my…
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Gear List: What Every One of My Students Must Own
Essential Sheet Music, Gear and Books for Trumpeters I get lots of questions about what gear I use, what etude books I use in my teaching, and what I expect my students to bring on their first day at Ithaca College. Well, folks, this is that list. If you are an IC student, you will…
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New Single Out Now!
Hello all, I am excited to announce the release of my newest (and first-est) single: AMBRE. Of course, like most music, it will be available for streaming across nearly all platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music etc etc). But for now, IT CAN ONLY BE HEARD HERE:The piece is by Nils Frahm, and was…










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