FocalPoint—<i>a Centered Approach to Embouchure Development</i><br>for Trombone

“After years of studying and practicing Dr. Donald S. Reinhardt’s materials (since June 1978), and after teaching many trumpet and trombone students, I have devised routines to start out your practice day at one of four focal points—you choose the one that will comfortably raise the ‘hub’ (or center) of your range. These routines assure steady embouchure development and your ability to handle modern brass playing demands.” — Rich Willey

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“FocalPoint rocks! I can’t tell you how great it is working for me.” — Pat Harbison, trumpeter

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“This book is awesome! Real info from a real player.

Rich, you have no idea how proud I am of you and the hard work that you’re putting into presenting THE TRUTH to the next generation of brass players.

Again, four stars all the way!!!!!” — Ray Vega, trumpeter

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“Rich Willey's FocalPoint is the best thing I’ve ever practiced out of. Part of my D.M.A. thesis project was a comparative analysis of the methods, etudes, excerpts and solos out there — and how to utilize them in a practical set of year-by-year lesson plans. For this reason, I feel I’ve been exposed to more of what’s in (and out of) print than most people. Rich is a genius, as well as a really nice guy. I got a workout last night, and never played above a G at the top of the staff! Can't wait to go higher (gradually) with this book.” — Ray Smith, Woodbury, MN

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“I have been using the book faithfully for maybe a month and a half and things are going great. I moved from C2 to E2 last week and am able to play E3 pretty consistently. I took Rich’s advice and didn’t try to move up too soon after overdoing a bit in the beginning. I think this book is the most intelligent way to build good trumpet chops that I have ever been exposed to. My range, sound, endurance, and attack have all steadily improved. My speed is better too. Thanks!”
— Larry Divack, NYC trumpeter

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“This book is a must for all brass players.”
— Bill Gibson, Edwards/Getzen Artist/Clinician
Queen Mary II Queens Room Orchestra trombonist/bandleader

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“A couple of days ago I received my copy of Rich Willey’s new book FocalPoint.

“First let me say that the text in the book is worth double the sales price alone. Naturally as a Reinhardt student I’m familiar with most of it, but for anybody wanting to improve their playing mechanics, Rich has excellent information that will benefit even the most educated and experienced players.

“Things like correct buzzing, response, breathing, and the pitfalls of pedal tones as well as how to take a correct mouthcorner inhalation without disturbing the aperture are covered.

“The whole premise of the book is that by gradually raising your starting notes of the day and essentially gearing most of your daily practice in that direction you can increase your playable range, response and endurance. He has this all written out with the different focal points or starting notes on each routine. Each drill can be started on either middle G, middle C, third space E or G on top of the staff without having to transpose. Rich has already done that for the player so that they can focus on proper playing mechanics without being distracted with transpostion.

“The book includes cantabile routines, single, double and triple tonguing drills as well as embouchure compression drills. There are also some excellent technical studies toward the back of the book that I plan to “shed” myself.

“This is a book that could only have been written by someone who personally spent many hours in the presence of the most successful brass teacher in history, Dr. Donald S Reinhardt.”
— Chris LaBarbera

This book comes with product support.