"Is a trumpet or trombone mute more than it's shape?" Logically the answer is yes. However in the manufacturing world, it is a bit more of a gray area. Low-priced student mutes have become as numerous as flavors of ice cream these days. So how do you define quality? How do you differentiate between mute functioned and mute shaped?

 

 

When do I need to find a new mouthpiece?

 

After a student has learned how to make a sound on their new brass instrument, and make it consistently, their next focus is on improving that sound. Since sound starts with the mouthpiece, your first upgrade should logically be the mouthpiece. But when and how do you find the right one? Use these tips to understand the process and help you student take their fist steps to expanding their sound and skills.

 

There are multiple low brass instruments that can easily be played using a standard trombone mouthpiece. While trombone mouthpieces can be used for baritone, the issue that cannot be overlooked is the trombone mouthpiece was designed for the trombone, not the baritone. Learn about Denis Wick artist Steven Booth's journey to his current Denis Wick baritone mouthpiece.

 

Tom Hutchinson, world renowned brass band cornetist, has had a love for cornet since his youth. Find out more about Tom's biography in this recent interview. Over the years of performances, wins, and losses, Tom has gained a lot of experience which he shared during a recent clinic at the the British Bandsman at Reading Town Hall before a concert performed by The Cory Band where Tom holds the principal Cornet position. Here are 3 tips he shared about finding the right mouthpiece for your needs.


 

The inspiration of our peers and those who have gone before us are so important to our future as musicians. Students need a sound concept and musicians to look up to, and current or aspiring professional musicians thrive in communities of peers where ideas, struggles, and experiences are shared.

Can it be this simple?  Find a "high note mouthpiece" or the "endurance" mouthpiece, put it in the instrument and you'll have better range/endurance? These incredible tools can take your playing to new heights. But how do we prepare ourselves to master the potential of these mouthpieces that may not feel like home? Denis Wick trumpet artists Josh Rzepka, Preston Bailey, Chris O'Hara, and Arnetta Johnson have some thoughts for you if you're looking for an answer! Here is a clip of our recent webinar "It's got to be the mouthpiece... or does it?".


Mouthpiece trials can be a dangerous sport! While we don’t suggest wearing a helmet, there are some steps you can take that will protect the sensitive area of your lips and muscles from damage. Follow the steps below and you should be able to walk out of your trial session unscathed and hopefully with a new mouthpiece!

If you have hung around Denis Wick for even a short time, you have probably seen some content on the extreme functional versatility of this mute. The adjustable cup not only allows you ultimate tone color versatility for your cup mute performance, but can be pulled apart and used in multiple different ways. How many you ask? find out in this quick video with Denis Wick artist Estela Aragon.

When getting ready for a significant performance, it's common to divide your preparation into two categories: musical preparation and physical preparation. Incorporate these four principles of preparation from Denis Wick Artist Victor Haskins to ensure that your preparation is effective and promotes your overall well-being for your upcoming big performance.