This document is the overview and index. Work through the phases in order. Each phase has its own file with full detail: skills, pieces, alternatives, move-on criteria, and self-assessment.
Video help: Skills & Video Reference — curated videos for long tones, lip slurs, high notes, articulation, double tonguing, breathing, dynamics, and Il Triello play-along.
Before you start a phase, you should already have the skills from the previous phase (or the “Before you start” baseline for Phase 1). Don’t skip ahead—each phase builds on the last.
| Phase | Skills you need before starting |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | You can already play a few major scales, keep steady time, and get a clear sound in the middle register (roughly low C to G in the staff). You’re ready to improve tone, articulation, and consistency. You’ll play three pieces (first piece + two bridges) before Phase 2. |
| Phase 2 | From Phase 1: Steady tone and clean single-tongue attacks; even rhythm on all three Phase 1 pieces (first piece + two bridges); lip slurs in the staff without cracking. You’re ready to extend range and add double tonguing. You’ll play three pieces in order (2A → 2B → 2C), then optional 2D. |
| Phase 3 | From Phase 2: Reliable high register up to high C with good tone; scale to high C even and in tune; double tonguing even and clear at a moderate tempo; one lyrical piece (e.g. Trumpeter’s Lullaby) solid with expression. You’re ready for longer, more expressive solos. |
| Phase 4 | From Phase 3: You can perform 2–3 grade 2–3 solos with dynamics, phrasing, and secure high notes. You’re ready to learn and perform Il Triello. |
If you’re not sure whether you’re ready for the next phase, use the “Ready to move on?” checklist at the end of the current phase file.
| Phase | File | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | phase-01-foundation.md | Tone, air, articulation, comfortable mid-range |
| 2 | phase-02-range-extension.md | High register, double tonguing, lyrical piece (e.g. Trumpeter’s Lullaby) |
| 3 | phase-03-repertoire.md | Three specified solos (grade 2–3) with alternatives |
| 4 | phase-04-il-triello.md | Learn and perform Il Triello |
Each phase has primary piece(s) and alternatives if you can’t get the music or want different options. Details and “what to work on” are in the phase files.
| Piece | Primary | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | “Ode to Joy” in B♭ | “Mary Had a Little Lamb”; first concert piece from method book; “Lightly Row” or “Hot Cross Buns”; first piece from First Book of Trumpet Solos. |
| 2 (bridge 1) | “Long Long Ago” or “Beautiful Dreamer” in B♭ | Next piece in First Book of Trumpet Solos; “Air on the G String” (easy arr.); next concert pieces from method book. |
| 3 (bridge 2) | “Greensleeves” or “Aura Lee” / “Love Me Tender” in B♭ | “Theme from Brahms Symphony No. 1” (easy arr.); next piece in First Book of Trumpet Solos; next 2–3 concert pieces from method book (pick one with 2–3 sections or a dynamic). |
Do all three before Phase 2. The two bridges smooth the jump to Phase 2.
| Step | Piece | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2A | “Vega” or “Lyra” (Vandercook) or method-book lyrical solo with a few high Gs | First; introduces high register. |
| 2B | “Mira” (Vandercook) or “Arcturus” / “Centaurus” or similar grade 2–2.5 lyrical solo | More range and phrasing than 2A. |
| 2C | “Trumpeter’s Lullaby” (Leroy Anderson) | Main Phase 2 piece. Alternatives: “Rigel” (Vandercook) or second-year solo from method book. |
| 2D (optional) | Another short piece using G–C above staff (e.g. “Rigel”, contest piece) | Extra time in upper register. |
| Slot | Primary | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petite Pièce Concertante (Balay) | Romance in E♭ (Ostransky); Andante et Allegretto (Balay); Premier Solo de Concours (Maniet). |
| 2 | Maid of the Mist (Clarke) | Concertino (Haydn or similar); Andante and Allegretto (Balay); other grade 2–3 lyrical solo from contest collection. |
| 3 | Andante (Capuzzi) or Concert Rondo (Mozart, excerpt) | Slavische Fantasie (Wurm); piece from Second Book of Trumpet Solos; Serenade or Trumpet Territory (Kendor). |
| Primary | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Il Triello (Morricone, arr. Johan de Meij) — trumpet & band/piano | Other published arrangements of Il Triello; The Ecstasy of Gold; other grade 4 western/Morricone-style solos. |
| Block | Time | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 5 min | Long tones, lip slurs, easy scale (see phase file for focus). |
| Fundamentals | 5–10 min | Scales, range work, or tone/articulation as in current phase. |
| Piece work | 15–20 min | Current piece: problem spots, then run-throughs. Record sometimes. |
Exact breakdown (e.g. 10 vs 5 min fundamentals) is in each phase file.
Full “ready to move on?” and Why four phases? The four phases cover everything you need for Il Triello: Phase 1 (tone, air, single-tongue articulation), Phase 2 (range + double tonguing for pieces like Trumpeter’s Lullaby), Phase 3 (full solos with expression and stamina), Phase 4 (the goal piece). Double tonguing is in Phase 2 so it’s ready when the repertoire uses it.
Full “ready to move on?” and self-assessment steps are in each phase file.