An Application of Natural Learning Processes in the Preparation of Edward Gregson's Trumpet Concerto
Date of Award
Fall 2021
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
School
Music
Committee Chair
Dr. Timothy J. Tesh
Committee Chair School
Music
Committee Member 2
Dr. Richard H. Perry
Committee Member 2 School
Music
Committee Member 3
Dr. Benjamin McIlwain
Committee Member 3 School
Music
Committee Member 4
Dr. Joseph Brumbeloe
Committee Member 4 School
Music
Committee Member 5
Dr. Edward Hafer
Committee Member 5 School
Music
Abstract
Concerto for Trumpet and Strings by Edward Gregson is a substantial work of the late twentieth century underperformed among trumpet players. The primary reasons for its relative neglect are its technical challenges and the demands of endurance it places on the player. A well-designed approach to the preparation of this work will benefit students and professional players wishing to prepare for a performance of the work. This project will combine the knowledge of researchers and teachers in formulating specific practice approaches for the concerto’s challenges.
The findings of neuroscientists and psychologists, gained through testing and measurement, will be consulted along with information gained from a survey of the pedagogy articles and columns of the International Trumpet Guild Journal between 1976 and 2020. The latter is helpful for its empirical knowledge gained from eminent trumpet pedagogues through years of practical experience teaching the trumpet. The nature of learning will be discussed as it applies to learning music, with attention being given to the process known as story memory. The project will be aimed at students who already possess a solid foundation in trumpet playing fundamentals.
The chief technical problems in the Gregson Concerto will be identified, and practice suggestions for overcoming these difficulties will be suggested. Specific passages will be addressed, and detailed solutions will be applied for their mastery. Musical examples will be included in the document, which indicate the technical challenges being discussed. The application of these suggestions, it is hoped, will lead to broader acceptance and performance of the work, particularly among ambitious college trumpet majors.
Copyright
James Arnold Jenkins, 2021
Recommended Citation
Jenkins, James, "An Application of Natural Learning Processes in the Preparation of Edward Gregson's Trumpet Concerto" (2021). Doctoral Projects. 160.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dnp_capstone/160