Mastering any complex skill requires smart, long-term strategy, and playing a brass instrument is no exception. This involves setting appropriate goals, structuring practice to allow for creativity and variety as well as discipline and consistency, and taking frequent opportunities to evaluate progress. This clinic outlines a practical method for students and teachers alike to customize an approach that can lead to maximum productivity week after week across the course of a semester.
Rex Richardson
- Biographical Information
Renowned as champion of new, genre-busting music, Yamaha Performing Artist Rex Richardson was named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year. With a reputation unique in the trumpet world for his combination of singular virtuosity, deep lyricism, and mastery of improvisation in classical as well as jazz idioms, he has been called “One of the finest virtuosos of our time” (Brass Herald, 2018) “a standout soloist with the power, range and flexibility to rival Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw,” (DownBeat, 2014) and “among the very best trumpet soloists in the world today.” (Journal of the International Trumpet Guild, 2011)
A veteran of the acclaimed ensembles Rhythm & Brass, the Joe Henderson Quintet and Sextet, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek, his hundreds of soloist engagements include appearances with the Phoenix Symphony and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestras, the U.S. Army Field Band and Tokyo Symphonic Winds, England's Fodens Brass Band, Spanish Brass, Boston Brass, and the U.S. Air Force's Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble.
His latest of nine albums Freedom of Movement: 21st Century Trumpet Concertos was released to critical acclaim and named a top-ten finalist for 4barsrest.com’s 2018 Solo CD of the Year. The Journal of the ITG called it “A triumph of virtuosity and musicianship” (March 2019).
Richardson has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University since 2002, and served as International Tutor in Trumpet at England’s Royal Northern College of Music from 2012-2015.