Caruso & "Flexus"

A few thoughts about musical calisthenics from the Carmine Caruso method and a survey of exercises from "Flexus." This video was created as a resource for the trumpet class at New England Conservatory. If you apply any one of these exercises and suggestions regularly in your practice, should expect to see your playing improve.
Intro. 00:00
Why should you do these exercises? 01:03
Body awareness! 01:59
Avoid mindless repetition 02:36
Give it time! 03:12
Keep your movements graceful. 03:58
Maintain beautiful form. 06:00
Playing exercises from "Flexus: 06:36
Dangers for classical players. 10:22
Bending tones. 11:30
Flexibility 12:00
Buzzing for smooth sound 14:35
Flexando 15:26
Next exercise. 20:26
Lip trills 21:47
Bending note variations 23:46
Some problems to avoid 26:22

[@lwskiner]

I couldn't agree with you more, every exercise should be approached in a musical approach and I believe this is why so many people following the Claude Gordon method have a
brittle tone. When I was in high school my teacher at the end of my hour lesson would go through the Caruso six note exercises with me for around 4-5 repetitions until our chops
were just starting to turn to fire. We performed these softly and strove for a good tone as long as we could maintain it. BTW, we worked out of the Gordon book as well but SPARINGLY !!!

[@edwinlindquist973]

I’m a comeback player after 45 years conducting choral and instrumental. I studied with Jimmie Stamp from 1968-1972 while in college. Still to this day, buzzing to begin my playing sets my focus. The rest of my playing is a challenge. Tension!!!! Grrrrr

[@stevenemerytrumpet4095]

Hi Edwin, Sorry to hear about your fight with tension. That is an extremely common struggle for trumpet players. I sincerely hope that if you patiently search through my channel, you may find some things to help you make progress with that issue . As you may have heard, don't fight the trumpet. If you do, you will lose. 🙄

[@globalphenomenon5041]

Love it!

[@stevenemerytrumpet4095]

Thanks!!