Hi Everybody,

I just found this site recently, and think you all do a great service. This is a windows media file (I hope you can open it) of the Ravel Piano Concerto. Honestly, to my ears, the biggest stumbling block is recording quality (It was done in a friend's house last year...artificial reverb and all that). I also played it on D trumpet - do you think this is an issue at auditions? I am learning it on C as we speak.

I'm starting a masters in in jazz piano at Universit of Maryland in September, but continue to stay focused on trumpet as well...I've always been pulled strongly in both directions, you could say. I really appreciate your help and insight.

Best Wishes,
Greg Small

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MyAuditions,

13_Track_13.wma (251 Kb, 34 downloads) Ravel Concerto

Hi Greg,
The recording quality does make it difficult to hear all the details, but...

I think that your "flow" is good, but that your approach is a bit heavy. See if you can lighten up your articulation and keep the line that you already have. I also think you should be prepared to play it much faster (you never know- I had always performed it single-tounged and then we had a soloist who did the opening around 138-144! Ouch!). I personally play it on C trumpet, but I know that many people do it on D. I think it is worth learning on C regardless of what you will evenually play it on. See if you can get a light sound and quick articulation on the C or even the Bb trumpet, and then go back to the D, if you wish. Good luck at U of M.

Cheers,
Gary Peterson

Sounds pretty good. Way too slow though. Look to play with as much line as you can; it's important to not sound etudish when you do this. Maybe a little more soloistic flair too.

JM