[Dixielandjazz] learning to improvise--brass specific

[eupher dude]

Buzz along with tunes on the mouthpiece only.  Anything you do on the horn actually starts with the chops (note the subject line---brass specific!!!)
a little background...
 
The brass instrument is little more than an amplifier.  That amplifier needs adjustments, though, that's where the valves come in.  In the days before valves (and, excluding keyed brass instruments) the only notes that could be played were part of the harmonic, or overtone, series of the pipe.  Once the valve came along, there are actually 7 bugles put together on a standard trumpet/cornet.  (or any 3 valved brass instrument...adding 4th or 5th valves just adds more bugle options)
 
SO...
 
While you need the valves to play a full chromatic scale on the horn, you can play any note whatsoever on the mouthpiece alone.  use that to your improvising advantage.  Buzz along to any recorded music...buzz the melody, harmony, if you feel comfortable buzz some improviations. 
 
 BUT, keep practicing scales, arpeggios, all that stuff on the instrument itself.  You have to put the sound with the fingers to get the results.  Eventually, you'll be able to play choruses on the horn.  
 
Mouthpiece buzzing also helps with pitch, articulation, range, flexibility, breath control...but those are different topics.
 
steve 'cop a GOOD buzz' hoog
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