Australia's No.1

Trumpet Method

Endorsements

Mystery to Mastery Publishing® are very proud and excited to announce that Yamaha Music Australia has recently endorsed The No Mystery Guide to Trumpet Mastery as its No. 1 trumpet method book.

Greg Spence is to be commended for presenting materials in a variety of ways, several of which will be especially engaging to younger players. Visual images appear to be a key concept here presented in the form of stick figures, pictures, and illustrations. Attention-getting light bulbs appear throughout,
accompanied by words of wisdom such as "project the sound out through the instrument and fill the room with big, rich sound."

At the beginning, and spread throughout the book are concise essays covering the basics of trumpet playing including tone, breathing, tongue arch, articulation, practice, and warm up. In terms of pedagogy, little is controversial, as most concepts have been previously published in the writings of Mendez, Irons, Arban, and others. The accompanying play along CD presents a positive tonal image, and no doubt will heighten the enjoyment of a practice session.

Organized according to bronze, silver, and gold stages, exercises include mouthpiece buzzing, pitch placement, lip slurs, and chromatics. Difficulty levels progress from the first beginner whole notes to examples covering the entire range between low F sharp to g2. Once a stage is mastered, students are
encouraged to log on to www.mysterytomastery.com and receive their award certificate.

As to which musicians might make use of this tidy volume, there are several possibilities. Beginning students will find a wealth of information as well as motivation via an innovative format that is geared toward their youth. Aside from minor concerns regarding emphasis on anatomical detail and the resulting
potential for "paralysis by analysis" there are numerous benefits for the novice. Secondly, players going through embouchure change might find the sequential exercises reinforcing during their trials and tribulations. In addition, non-performers on trumpet who teach the instrument will no doubt appreciate the wealth of pedagogical information provided. For any of the above, The Only No Mystery Guide to Trumpet Mastery merits a hearty recommendation. (Gary Barrow, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville)

We have had feedback from professional players who have made great leaps in their playing due to the information provided in the book. Although the range only goes to G above the stave, the concepts and advanced exercises give you the physical and mental ammunition that you need to play in the extreme upper register.

The Paralysis by Analysis comment is fair. Our approach is Analysis Creates Awareness. A mechanic needs to know how a motor works to improve its performance.

We Sincerely thank Gary and the ITG for their time and support!

This is not, just another, trumpet book! It's layout, approach, content and information are like no other book on the market and the results speak for themselves.

A Review by the MUSIC IN ACTION magazine,

Australia's leading resource for music educators. Spring Edition 2005

Greg Spence is well regarded as a player and teacher and has clearly and concisely put into print and diagrams the fundamentals about airstream, tonguing and air speed.

The book is divided into Bronze, Silver and Gold sections, each setting the young student realistically achievable goals. For many this book will challenge some traditional approaches to learning the trumpet (for example, the first scale dealt with in the Gold medal stage is C# Major).

This quality book about learning to play the trumpet properly is one that every trumpet teacher should have in his/her armory of teaching resources and methodologies.

The CD is also a great resource when you are explaining airflow and sound concepts.

A great text from which students and teachers everywhere will benefit!

Here's more from a range of Australia's leading players and teachers

"A well structured, concise and easy to follow approach to learning the fundamentals of brass playing.  The CD provides quality demonstrations of all exercises.  There is something new to learn for everyone from teachers and beginners, to experienced professionals."
Rob Sims, Head of Brass, Victorian College of the Arts.

"I highly recommend Greg Spence's new book The Only NO MYSTERY Guide to Trumpet Mastery.  Unlike most trumpet methods and previous books, there is detailed information on all aspects of trumpet playing as well as new concepts that challenge more experienced and professional players’views.  My experience of learning to play the trumpet has involved a lot of trial and error but the basics are always the same.  With the information provided, you can easily learn all of the basics of trumpet playing.  The Only NO MYSTERY Guide to Trumpet Mastery is a welcome edition to trumpet pedagogy.”
Paul Panichi, Australia's top internationally renowned, lead commercial trumpeter.

"At last, a trumpet method that encourages quality sound production, a patient approach, and has an excellent play-a-long CD right from the word go.  Greg Spence has captured the essence of how to play the trumpet musically in a practical and well set out way.  As a music teacher and brass player, The Only NO MYSTERY Guide to Trumpet Mastery is an effective guide for beginning students right through to advanced players - the improvement in my students is incredible."
Martin Macaulay, music educator and conductor, Head of music, Parade College