About: Basics Plus
“The biggest thing in music is how to listen”
David Friesen (*1942), jazz bassist
One day in class I had the idea to add a second voice to the basic exercises we were working on.
The students reacted to this in a remarkable way:
Their sound and intonation improved, and they played more freely and relaxed. I began writing down the exercises, and that's how "BASICS PLUS" came about, which was published by Rundel Verlag in 2004 and has since accompanied countless brass players around the world in their daily work.
The most important sense for us musicians is the ear. Focusing attention on one's own listening at the heart of practice has always been a goal of my teaching.
Above all, even the basics should not just be gymnastic exercises, but should be played with musical expression.
I was repeatedly asked to expand BASICS PLUS with a play-along track and explanations of embouchure techniques and mental aspects. This led to the creation of BASICS PLUS 4.0, which now features four-part exercises that can be played solo, in duets, trios, or quartets. The play-along track allows you to explore polyphony even when playing alone. This enables you to focus your attention on listening and your internal sound imagery, leading to a more natural approach to your playing.
So embark on this exciting journey and discover your potential. Learn to put Arnold Jacobs' SONG AND WIND principle into practice. You will find that you possess many abilities you haven't yet discovered.
Reviews of Basics Plus
BASICS PLUS
"The book's presentation is unique and exemplary. I hope that this work will become standard equipment for all serious trumpet players, young and old!"
Dr. Edward H. Tarr
"A school for basics that you can really work with every day."
Prof. Hannes Läubin, Munich University of Music
"Finally a set of etudes that addresses correct playing, tuning, balance and timing. It is the most efficient way to get ready to play with others. Bravo Wolfgang!"
Prof. Vince DiMartino, International Trumpet Soloist
"BASICS PLUS is a wonderful work because Mr. Guggenberger gives an absolutely new look on daily exercises known to all trumpet players. Real basics! My congratulations!
My students at Saratov Conservatory, Russia, have this book
The music is on every day."
Anatoly D. Selyanin, Professor of Saratov Conservatory, Russia
"Wolfgang Guggenberger's study collection BASICS PLUS challenges and encourages musical thinking and action in equal measure. The addition of a second voice to the tried-and-tested practice material proves very helpful for teaching. In conjunction with the concise, valuable playing instructions, it enable students to gain experiences that is fundamental to playing the trumpet. This book, with its high-quality content and unusual appearance, is particularly recommended for both beginners and advanced trumpet players."
Martin Stefani, Landshut Music School
"These exercises have become an indispensable part of my daily exercise routine!"
Florian Klingler, solo trumpeter of the Munich Philharmonic
"This superb new study book, Basics Plus from German publisher Rundel, gets strong recommendation from Steven Mead and euphonium net."
Stephen Mead, euphonium soloist
"This method addresses very fundamental issues for the developing trumpeter. It improves tone, intonation, and ensemble sensitivity, the building blocks of a successful career. The method is very easy to understand and contains many important concepts which are presented in a user friendly way."
Prof. James Thompson, Eastman School of Music
In his book "BASICS PLUS," Wolfgang Guggenberger shows us not only what to practice, but above all, how to practice. His instructions are very clear and undoubtedly lead to improved fundamental technique. I can recommend this book to every trumpet player!
Frits Damrow, solo trumpeter, Concertgebouw Orkest, Amsterdam
Zurich University of the Arts
Hello:
Ronald Romm here. Greetings from the University of Illinois! I wanted to once again thank you for your Basics Plus book and the great contribution this makes to all of our playing. Best to you!
Ronald Romm, Founding member, Canadian Brass
Professor of Trumpet, University of Illinois
BASICS PLUS 4.0