What is it about some musicians and performers who consistently achieve success? Are they the best performers? Did they have the best teachers? Do they have the best professional contacts and connections? Is it just coincidence? Of course not! Dr. Steve Zegree, choral arranger and conductor of Western Michigan University's prestigious vocal jazz group Gold Company, has developed this practical guide for performers, students, teachers and parents which offers fundamental philosophies and concepts that are essential to a person's growth and development and will contribute to a successful professional life in music. More than just the basics, more than a prescribed curriculum, and more than just getting in front of an audience to go through the motions of what you did in rehearsal - call it "The Wow Factor" - there is something for everyone in this book! And, as a special bonus, it includes interviews with great performers from all facets of the music industry, including Simon Carrington, Nick Lachey, Ward Swingle, Roger Emerson, Mac Huff, Liza Minnelli, and many more! Chapters include: 1. The Wow Factor: The Framework; 2. How to Practice and Rehearse for The Wow Factor; 3. How to Prepare a "Wow" Audition; 4. Ifs, Ands or Buts - and Rules to Live By; 5. Don't Go to Your Face: Putting the Polish on Your Performance; 6. How to Educate and Entertain; 7. How to Win on NBC's Clash of the Choirs; 8. "Wow" Perspectives: The Interviews; 9. Coda.

Contains three student performances of classical trumpet literature by Tartini, Aruturian and Hindemith. Wynton works with each student on interpretation and performance objectives. There is also an extended question-and-answer section that covers many areas of trumpet playing in both the classical and jazz styles.

This DVD has an in-depth discussion and demonstration of all aspects of the rhythm section as well as the front-line horns. Concepts of improvisation and playing as a group, including techniques of listening and interacting as a group, are also covered. This one packed with information for players and teachers who work with small groups and big bands.

Legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis traces the history of the trumpet from the early examples of a conch shell and ram's horn to today's modern orchestral and jazz instruments. Also included are two bonus segments called Essential Tips for Getting Your Sound and From the Beginning that are specific to trumpet players. This DVD is a must-have not only for trumpeters, but for all brass players!

This unique guide helps all musicians: open up new avenues of expression through a pain-free, healthy, fluid approach to music-making; overcome performance anxiety, general tension, and muscular injury; and increase learning skills and facilitate more effective motor coordination.

This hands-on jazz primer contains an enormous amount of information, from progressions, scales, modes, and voicings to arranging a complex jazz standard. Mike DeMicco teaches important basics, then shows how to put them to use in the first DVD. In the second DVD, Mike presents dozens of examples to show how to improvise dazzling solos over chord changes. He uses styles developed by Mike Stern, Tal Farlow, John Coltrane, and others to explain the use of solo lines, passing tones, and other devices to create personalized improvisations. On the final DVD, Mike starts with his bebop-oriented tune Boptology, showing how to build creative solos and challenging players to find their own voice. The melody of this tune is a complete study tool as it illustrates a synthesis of several jazz styles. Mike then takes apart the classic Victor Young standard Love Letters to fully discuss chord melodies and new ideas for soloing.

Starting with his bebop-oriented tune 'Boptology,' Mike shows how to build creative solos, challenging players to find their own voice. The melody of this tune is a complete study tool as it illustrates a compelling synthesis of several jazz styles. Mike then takes apart the classic Victor Young standard 'Love Letters' to fully discuss chord melodies and new ideas for soloing. 60-MINUTE VIDEO * INCLUDES MUSIC + DIAGRAMS * LEVEL 3.