Walt Laursen
Walt Laursen
As I mentioned in my bio, I met Walt Laursen in 1957 as a result of my receiving a PTA Scholarship. He was a wonderful influence on my life, musically and personally. I will always be indebted to him for the example of generosity and support he showed me.
For many years he was an inspiration and role model for scores of young men at the Pasadena Boy’s Club. He was a teacher and musical director of the award winning Pasadena Boy’s Club Band and Dance Band. The band featured such guest soloists as Rafael Mendez and Leonard B. Smith. He took a lot of interest in each of his students and even in retirement, both Walt and his wife Jan continued to help by teaching people to read and write-these were not only students, they were also adults trying to obtain citizenship into the US.
James George Stamp
James Stamp
In retrospect, I was very lucky to meet “Jimmy”. I was 19 when I first entered Jimmy’s studio and at that young age I really learned how to play the trumpet correctly. I followed his instructions to the “T” and when I went to the West Point Band, I endeavored to practice and play in the manner in which he showed me. When I returned from West Point, I continued my studies with Jimmy some more and he allowed me (and all his students) to watch other people’s lessons and play in trumpet ensembles with his other students. Stamp was not overly verbal, he taught you what you needed to learn with very simple instructions and was able to reel you in until you acquired the improvement you sought.
Many major orchestral trumpet players and International soloists owe Stamp a debt of gratitude as his teaching enabled so many of today’s great players to enjoy the success they achieved.
When all is said and done-for over half a century I have followed his teachings and now as I near the age where most brass players have to retire I continue to improve in my playing. Jimmy’s teaching played a major role in my success as a professional trumpet player, and I endeavor to share his wisdom with others.
I really hope that you’ll check this site frequently-I have some projects in the works that will pay homage to my teacher Jimmy Stamp and will show you how to properly perform his studies.
William Vacchiano
William Vacchiano
When I went to West Point, I had a friend who was studying with William Vacchiano and on his recommendation Mr. Vacchiano agreed to teach me. At that time, Vacchiano was the most influential teacher for Trumpeters wishing to perform in an orchestra. Needless to say, it was a big deal to study with him.
I spent countless hours studying the recordings of Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic and Vacchiano’s musicianship had a big influence on me.
Mr. Vacchiano was very strict and he took teaching very seriously. He was very methodical when teaching transposition and he was sure to outline the rules for proper performance. Also, Mr. Vacchiano knew exactly what to prescribe to a student each lesson: He knew which combination of exercises to assign his students after each lesson-even though it was very rare to get the opportunity to play for him the studies he assigned.
