Santorella Publications

Author: Harold E. Mitchell
Format: Book with CD
Instrumentation: Trumpet

Mitchell on Trumpet is revered by educators around the globe and stands unequaled by any other published approach for trumpet. This proven curriculum will guide any ambitious student on a path towards performance excellence. It takes you from the beginning to the extreme limits of the horn through a gradual progression of 82 balanced lessons developing your range from low F# to G above high C.

Mitchell on Trumpet - Book 4 is the final chapter of this exciting journey beginning with Lesson 64 and continues with many advanced concepts while extending the student's range to Double High G. The exercises and studies cover all phases of playing with the ultimate goal of acquiring and maintaining a strong flexible embouchure. The included CD contains all of the possible combinations of the final tune in the book, The Flight of the Bumblebee, arranged for Trumpet and Piano, written in two Concert keys, G minor and A minor.

Pappy often said, "Perfect practice makes perfect, careless practice makes mediocrity, and no practice makes nothing." Since every individual has their own unique set of strengths and challenges, the time necessary to devote to studying this method will vary from student to student. The important thing is to establish a structured schedule that is appropriate for you.

There are countless professionals, educators, and performers who claim that Mitchell on Trumpet is the most complete trumpet method ever written. The student who completes Mitchell's Method will be among a select few who possess the endurance, technique, and flexibility needed to conquer any obstacle that they may encounter in any musical passage ever written for trumpet.

This Book 4 as well as all others in the series is dedicated to Harold's son, Ollie Mitchell. His tireless pursuit to see his Pappy's work published and brought back to life for future generations of professional artists is one of the many reasons that we at Santorella Publications feel that it is our obligation to forge forward. Ollie touched so many lives in his lifetime, as did his father, but as fate would have it, Ollie was peacefully reunited with his Pappy when he passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on May 11, 2013.

To follow are just a few of the endorsements we received for Harold E. Mitchell's Method for Trumpet:

1. This magnificent method that will prepare the player for whatever they may encounter. The well designed lessons & melodic exercises maintain the students' interest while keeping the mind attentive to the most important fundamentals of the instrument. Gary Grant: Studio Player & Member of the Jerry Hey Horn Section.


2. Upon beginning Mitchell on Trumpet I was amazed at how quickly my reading skills & physical capabilities improved. I recommend this marvelous approach for trumpet players of any discipline. Bob Strickland: Jazz Trumpet Performer & Recording Artist from Everett, WA.


3. Having used all 4 volumes of Mitchell's Method. I feel it is the most comprehensive treatise I've ever seen. My students have had considerable success from the etudes & studies. This method has made a monumental contribution to trumpet instruction. Col. Gilbert Mitchell: U.S. Army Band.


4. As a Freelance Musician in L.A., I must be able to play all styles of Music. Pappy's approach is perfect for obtaining endurance, flexibility, accuracy, and range. I highly recommend this method to all students & professionals. Bob O'Donnell: One of Today's L.A. Freelance Players in Demand.


5. My teacher Leo De Mers introduced me to Mitchell on Trumpet. Until then I had only played out of the Arban's book. The difference with Pappy's approach was how musical the lessons were. The knowledge I gained gave me the confidence to play anything. I highly recommend these books to every trumpet player. Rick Baptist: L.A. Lead Player for, Dancing with the Stars.


6. Mitchell's Method is a fantastic, intelligent, and a wise approach for learning to play the trumpet that is sure to develop the needed skills to become a well rounded professional. Rick Broadwell: Royal Hawaiian Band, Honolulu, Hawaii


7. I had the honor of presenting a well deserved award to Harold Mitchell for earning the respect of his fellow musician's at the NYBC. It is with great appreciation & admiration that I am bestowed with this distinct honor. Charles Colin: Respected Author & Publisher of Many Great Publications for Brass.


8. I had the pleasure of studying with Pappy who took me through all four editions of Mitchell on Trumpet. The exercises provide a solid foundation of the fundamentals of playing. I highly recommend them to all students of the horn. Ron King: One of Today's Top Studio Musicians in Los Angeles


9. I studied with many teachers while establishing my career and made a special effort to seek out many respected educators and Harold Mitchell was one of them. Pappy had an extremely disciplined approach, yet remained positive. He always gave you a feeling of confidence with his endless reservoir of uplifting sayings. My studies with Pappy were structured around his thorough approach which I highly recommend for any serious student as I believe it is an extremely effective method. Herb Alpert: Creator of the Tijuana Brass, Recording Artist & Founder of the A&M Record Label.

Harold E. Mitchell (January 5, 1898 - August 21, 1985)

CAREER OVERVIEW: Vaudeville stages, Talkie sound booths and the Motion Picture Studios of epic film.
ATTRIBUTES: Exceptional performer, highly respected artist, widely recognized educator, and author of an extremely effective masterwork for learning how to play the trumpet; Mitchell on Trumpet.
TEACHERS: Alfred F. Weldon, Ernest S. Williams, Richard Shuebruk, Dale Stagers, William Thieck, and Herbert L. Clarke.
SIGNIFICANT FILM CREDITS: The Jazz Singer, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, and King Kong.
OUTSTANDING ACCOLADE: Played 1st Trumpet for every major recording & film Studio in Los Angeles.
REPUTATION: Known by his piers as Hollywood's busiest trumpet player, a devoted teacher, and highly acclaimed author recognized by musicians, artists, and educators worldwide.
RETIREMENT: Retired from MGM Studios in 1947 at the Age of 49 and spent the next twelve years writing his method while continuing to maintain a rigorous teaching schedule.
NOTEABLE STUDENTS: Robert DiVall, Elden Benge, Bill Adam, Armando Ghitalla, Herb Alpert, and Pappy's son Ollie, who became one of the best studio players in Hollywood during the 60's, 70's & 80's.

In summary, Harold Mitchell lived during a time when musicians played a vital role in popular entertainment. It was a nostalgic era of live performances in music & theatre. Mitchell on Trumpet is the culmination of Pappy's life's work and still remains today as the only complete course ever written for learning to play the trumpet.