TESTIMONIALS

Would you believe that within 2 minutes of getting my chops forward and into the mp that I hit a double C again???? I actually kept hitting it over about a 10 minute period. Not very loud or strong, but it was there none the less. Too cool! It doesn't last very long before I can't hold the chops out there any more and I'm playing my old way, but I'll keep working on it to build the muscles up. I'm pretty excited about just maybe, someday, hitting a solid, controlled double C. I also got further than I have before on Etude V of the Red Clarke book. I got down to the middle of the 3rd to the last row on 1 breath. Anyhow, I just wanted to say "thanks" again. You get me inspired every time I come down.

It seems like my chops have been stiff and unresponsive for 10 years . I know this method is not touted as a quick fix, but 1 week into this thing I see some unbelievable changes in how I mentally and physically relate to the horn. Years ago I took several weeks of lessons from the great west coast teacher Claude Gordon. His teachings also involved a forward embouchure and what he called the k tongue modified or tonguing against the bottom teeth. seeing your video has brought answers to questions I have sought for years .In just 1 short week I am playing in and out of the pedal register with ease and my high chops are connecting to my other registers in way that makes those notes actually useable instead of just a before the gig curiosity . thank you , Tim S.. Edina, MN

I received the video yesterday, went home for lunch, and started watching. Immediately could see a difference. Taught 35 years ago to smile and even though I've tried to discard that method over the years, I never completely understood any other system, and when moving up in range I would resort to pressure which even if I didn't stretch back by lips on purpose, the mouthpiece pressure would do it for me. Last night and this morning I've been pushing my face forward, lower lip up, and minimum pressure. Very tiring, but in a completely different manner. The center portion of my lips feel no fatigue at all, in fact I think I could feel them buzzing the entire

practice session, but from the corners of my lips and down I feel like I've been lifting weights or running a marathon. For the first time I can really understand how long tones can help endurance. Before the center of my lip was sore and I couldn't play anymore...now I need rest, but can tell its from muscle tiredness not abuse and swelling. There is a marked benefit to

having a video, and although uncertain at first, and keeping my fingers crossed as to was this money well spent, just two relatively short practice sessions have proved the money was very well spent. Thank you.

"Screamin" works better than I'd imagined. I've had the tape for about a week now. I've watched the tape about three times. I struggled with the system for three days (using way too much tension even though the tape says not to) and I was beginning to wonder if my lip was just too damaged from past bad technique. However, on the fourth day, I had a breakthrough. It was suddenly easier to play in the upper register. I'd set for the lower register, compress the air just a little more, and I'd hit an octave higher without straining my chops. It works just like you said it would. My sound is more focused, transitions between notes are more connected, and I can go from one register to another with hardly any effort. This system is truly an answer to prayer. Your taped format answered all of my questions. I've played trumpet for nearly twenty years. I've tried Claude Gordon, Maggio, Superchops, Caruso, and Schlossberg. Some of these systems allowed me to play higher, but none of them made it easier for me to play musically.

Bill is a great player, teacher and clinician. We had him do a clinic with our trumpet players two years ago and the students thought it was great in that it was hands on and not just sitting and listening. Bill was a great motivator whether you believe in his system or not. It gave our students another alternative to building their chops. He gave our students a great incentive to work on their horn. The students have asked to have him back this year. I have already booked him, and am adding the lower brass to the clinic. We highly recommend him.

I enjoyed our conversation on the phone today! I look forward to playing the trumpet again!

"Bill Carmichael is a breath of fresh 'musical' air. He instructed my trumpet section at band camp this past summer and it was a remarkable experience for both myself and my students. His playing ability and energy level were incredibly intense. He kept the students motivated in the heat of the sun with his quick witted humor as he strengthened their sound and endurance in just two weeks time! The students adored him and are still talking about him to this day. Several of the students decided to study with him privately. These private lessons allowed Bill to easily correct any embouchure difficulties that they had been experiencing. Bill Carmichael is passionate, congenial and professional man who emanates these qualities in all that he does.

He should be very proud of all of his musical accomplishments. I would highly recommend Bill to any marching band that wishes to take their trumpet section to 'the next level' of musicality."