Classical Trumpet Performance, Teaching

​John Freeman

Schlossberg Routine

One day while perusing an internet trumpet site, I came across a trumpet "routine" made out of a series of exercises from the much loved Schlossberg Daily Drills Book.  It was originally designed as an "Reconstructive Embouchure Therapy", but I found that it made a terrific slur/strength routine for me and my trumpet students.  

The exact order of exercises are below. You are to do everything in order, without changing anything, but taking plenty of rests throughout.  When I first started doing this, it took me about 40 minutes, but over the months and years, I have (without even trying) memorized it, and it takes me less than 20 minutes to go through it all the way.  Don't rush though, take your time and rest if you feel tired.  Use no vibrato, and try to always make a good sound, without playing loudly.  I would say I do most of these between mp and mf.  I don't do it every day, but about every other day.  This is not a warm-up, I'd recommend it as a 2nd session of the day.

This is the kind of practice that really makes me feel good on trumpet.  Strong and "dialed in" is the best way I can describe it.  Try it for yourself!