“Keith Fiala has been my lesson teacher for 4 years.  Mr. Fiala's most important lesson that he's shared with me is to always practice the things that get my fingers going, such as the Clarke studies and scales which have also helped my understanding of chords in music.

Mr. Fiala is the best lesson teacher I've ever had because he cares about his students and listens to them.

“When Keith Fiala and I first started lessons, he knew I had a really rough time getting past the psychological barrier that comes with playing an instrument.  His insightful stories and techniques helped me to finally overcome my chronic nerves issue and play to my full potential whether it is in the practice room or on the stage.  I owe a lot to him for finally unlocking my playing!"

Aaron Johnson – Former College Student

“Ah, who would have ever thought back in Pops' day (that's Armstrong not McLaughlin) that today there would be trumpet book after trumpet book, method after method that would attempt to guide eager beaver trumpters to the Nirvana where the grail that sits on 5 ledger lines resides.

As a trumpeter, writer, and passionate student of all things pertaining to the "Brass Baby," I've seen, purchased, written and helped write a few of these method books.  It seems that all of them have something to offer the aspiring trumpeter, whether it is a new or reinterpreted exercise, a verbalization of what takes place inside the body, the horn or mouthpiece cup, or anecdotes about "what I learned from" Maynard, Cat, Doc, Diz, or Bobby.

Keith Fiala's new effort - actually an ebook - is entitled "Secrets to Efficient Brass Playing!  From Trumpet to Tuba... A Common Sense Approach." Fiala, formerly with Maynard Ferguson's band, is a transplanted Iowan who is "heaven" is now Austin, Texas.  He is a fine trumpet player and very astute marketer.  Fiala knows deep down that there aren't any secrets, per se, or gimmicks in "Hornland" - but plenty of horns in "Gimmickland."  He also knows the thirst that exists out there from students, comebackers, even pro's who want to play their horns to the max - to the demands of the day.

While Fiala's terrific contribution here is not about secrets - there is nothing radical or revolutionary - but rather he provides a very well - presented emphasis on using one's common sense to get the most out of our trumpeting selves.  (Somehow it seems that when we were lining up to play the horn, we all went to the trumpeter's line, forsaking the common sense line!)  His easy going, me - you verbal style gives one the impression that you're in a casual hang with him in the shed room.  He knows his stuff.  The "Chop Doc," Jeanne Pocius is also a Master (Mistress?) of this gift, as is Bobby Shew and Clint "Pops" McLaughlin, who Fiala credits admirably.

Fiala's effort, 48 pages with 2 very personable and informative videos (make more?) tells the story of "Everyplayer" who, like many of us, struggled with the horn, engaged in frustrating battles with dictatorial instructors, quit the horn for a number of years in utter frustration, and ultimately realized that one must find one's own way.  He has and his findings, as detailed here, just might help others as well.

The "book" is a First Class presentation.  Fiala's approach is personable and highly conversational.  Yes, the usual trumpet geek discussions center around aperture, compression, the face, warm-ups, breathing, equipment, etc.  The effort is more of Fiala's revelations and presentations than a "recipe" for you - he's not a "my way or the highway!" guy.  There are only 2 exercises presented for the player to study.  As you would expect from a Ferguson alum, there are a few important anecdotes about the Boss and his breathing / air use.  Similarly, Fiala takes you inside the "piece" (without getting into any scientific mumbo mambo) to provide insights on aperture, compression, "force," etc.  The approach works well and allows complicated ideas to hit home.

I very much enjoyed reading and rereading Fiala's book - of course, in between practice sessions.  I think trumpeters who are willing to forego quick fixes and magic bullets will find secrets in "Secrets" and encounter trumpeting successes for themselves to perhaps share.  My printed version now sits near my music stand alongside Pocius's "Trumpeting by Nature, " my Rich Willey collection, and my treasured Bobby Shew lesson notes and CD's.

Written 2/28/2009