The Shulman System for Trumpet

[TheMusicMan]

The Shulman System for Trumpet

An invention long overdue, the ShulmanSystem for Brass has fast become an invaluable tool for playing and teaching trumpet in the modern age. Developed at the start of the 21st Century by virtuoso jazz and new music trumpeter Matt Shulman, the System was immediately endorsed by top professionals and teaching studios at major Universities around the world, being recognized as the most efficient and relaxed approach to the trumpet in the history of the instrument.

Based on principles of Alexander Technique and the acoustics of wave impedance, the ShulmanSystem suspends from a neck strap and rests on your sternum, from which an adjustable arm extends outward to balance, stabilize and resonate with your instrument. This patented breakthrough of balance-stabilization eliminates detrimental embouchure pressure and body tension, while taking your breathing, body alignment, and air-stream-to-mouthpiece delivery to an entirely new level. Literally completing a missing link between you and your instrument, the System's tone wood construction generates a continuous circle of vibration, helping to sustain your lip and horn vibrations as one entity, while creating unprecedented potential for evenness of tone and awareness of pitch-center within your body.

Read more here

 

[WhatSharp?]

But can you march with it? :biggrin:

What an odd contraption.

 

[brassneck]

I wonder if they have a version for female players? And what of wonky embouchures?

 

[trumpetmike]

Am I the only one to comment who has actually used one of these?

I was VERY sceptical about this device when I first saw it. When I tried it all scepticism was removed - it changed the way I stood, sat and played - all for the better.
I definitely approve of this device and use it often in my practising and also in my teaching, to ensure that good posture becomes a habit.

Whatsharp? - I assume that it is possible to march with this - Matt uses it for all his performances, including when he is moving around during a jazz set.


Oh - and for all those who haven't heard of Matt Shulman (which I imagine is most people on here) he is a truly incredible jazz player and specialist in contemporary techniques such as multiphonics - you really haven't lived until you have heard him duetting with himself - an incredible player and great guy.

 

[TheMusicMan]

Am I the only one to comment who has actually used one of these?

Nope, you are simply the first to tell everyone here that you have, and you are simply the 3rd person to make a post in this thread.

Oh - and for all those who haven't heard of Matt Shulman (which I imagine is most people on here) he is a truly incredible jazz player and specialist in contemporary techniques such as multiphonics - you really haven't lived until you have heard him duetting with himself - an incredible player and great guy.

Wow Mike, that's a very patronising and condescending comment. Not quite sure what you are suggesting? Would you have said that on your site - I doubt it?

Thanks for the advice on the Shulman System though, glad it worked for you.:tup

 

[trumpetmike]

Wow Mike, that's a very patronising and condescending comment. Not quite sure what you are suggesting? Would you have said that on your site - I doubt it?

Actually, yes I would (on most of the other sites I frequent, none of which I would consider "mine").
Matt is one of those amazing players that practically nobody has heard of, even those who spend much time listening to modern jazz. When he is mentioned elsewhere, there is often a cry of "who?"
It was not meant as anything against this forum - I would have said the same elsewhere.


Just had a thought - here is a picture of Matt (from when he was hosting the ITG Jamm Session a couple of weeks ago) where you can see the System in use

http://www.trumpetguild.org/2006conference/thur/images/315shulman.jpg

 

[persins]

Well, I for one am one of those who would have responded with a resounding "WHO?!!"
Sounds like he knows what he's doing though!
Trumpetmike,
You say that you have one of these. Are there any UK distributors around or did you have to go much further afield to get hold of one? The only dealers I noted from the wensite were in US, Australia and Spain!

When playing the trumpet, I tend to drop the bell down somewhat and this may help to improve my posture!!

 

[Jan H]

can this thing also be used for cornet or flugel?

 

[trumpetmike]

Well, I for one am one of those who would have responded with a resounding "WHO?!!"
Sounds like he knows what he's doing though

He really does - stunning player

Trumpetmike,
You say that you have one of these. Are there any UK distributors around or did you have to go much further afield to get hold of one? The only dealers I noted from the wensite were in US, Australia and Spain!

I got mine direct from Matt at an ITG (International Trumpet Guild) Conference - he also gave me a very useful lesson in posture and how to best use the System for both my own playing and how to use it during teaching.
Might be worth emailing him and seeing if there is anyone in the UK who distributes for him. I know he ships to the UK and with the dollar as weak as it is at the moment it is quite reasonable getting stuff sent over.

can this thing also be used for cornet or flugel?

I have tried it on cornet and found it fine - I haven't yet tried it for flugel, but I will do so (when I get it back from a friend who has borrowed it) and report back.