Category: Uncategorized

Mastering the Mental Side of Trumpet Playing: How Mindset Shapes Your Music:

Ever wondered why some trumpet players seem calm and confident—even when tackling the hardest passages? It’s not just talent or technique. The secret lies in their mindset. Playing trumpet is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and understanding this can transform your practice and performance. Perfection Isn’t the Goal One …

Continue reading “Mastering the Mental Side of Trumpet Playing: How Mindset Shapes Your Music:”

Bailey Elora’s new single, “Dead in the Dirt” Featuring John SImpkins

Go listen and save it to your playlist!!! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4u6sUA6W2GSz0TNapiNd1w… Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/…/dead-in-the-dirt…/1894980057 Cover Art Photo: John McSweeney Cover Art Treatment: Bailey Elora

The Complete Breath: A Trumpet Player’s Hidden Power

Even though breathing is essential to life, many of us rarely think about how we breathe. I invite you to sit with me for a moment and explore the concept of the complete breath—a powerful idea that’s rarely taught but incredibly useful, both in life and in trumpet playing. Modern life doesn’t encourage us to …

Continue reading “The Complete Breath: A Trumpet Player’s Hidden Power”

Your First Week of Trumpet Care: Building Good Habits Early

Starting your journey with the trumpet is exciting—but it also comes with responsibility. Just like any precision instrument, the trumpet needs regular care to stay in top playing condition. The first week is a great time to build habits that will keep your horn clean, functional, and sounding great. Day 1: Get to Know Your …

Continue reading “Your First Week of Trumpet Care: Building Good Habits Early”

🎺 How to Play the Trumpet: A Beginner’s Guide

The trumpet is one of the most iconic and powerful instruments in the brass family. Whether you’re drawn to jazz, classical, mariachi or marching band music, learning to play the trumpet starts with mastering the basics. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to sit, how to hold your lips (embouchure), and how to …

Continue reading “🎺 How to Play the Trumpet: A Beginner’s Guide”

How to Choose Your First Trumpet: Expert Tips for Beginners

Maybe Start with Renting Renting from a local music store is often the best first step. Most rental programs include rent-to-own options and sometimes offer maintenance plans, which can be invaluable during the first few months as you learn to care for your instrument. If you want to save money, ask your local shop for …

Continue reading “How to Choose Your First Trumpet: Expert Tips for Beginners”

Why Do I Play the Trumpet? Lessons from a Lifelong Journey Three powerful reasons that keep me playing after 33 years Suggested Image: A close-up of a polished trumpet resting on sheet music with warm holiday lights in the background. I often find myself asking the question: “Why do I play the trumpet?”It’s not just …

Continue reading “”

Hi, I’m John Simpkins

I’m a trumpet teacher based in the Denver Metro Area. For the past 20 years, I’ve been teaching private lessons primarily at Flesher-Hinton Music in Wheat Ridge, as well as in other studio spaces in the Denver Metro area. I have run sectionals and been adjunct staff at various schools in the Denver Metro area …

Continue reading “Hi, I’m John Simpkins”

Now Streaming: “John Simpkins and The Paid Acquaintances”

Released in June 2024, this project marks a significant chapter in my musical journey as my first solo album featuring a full band. While my previous work often focused on a more intimate sound, “The Paid Acquaintances” brings a new level of depth and energy to these songs. Having the collaborative power of a full …

Continue reading “Now Streaming: “John Simpkins and The Paid Acquaintances””

My New Album “Cowboys and Pelicans” is Out Now!

I am so excited to finally share this project with you all. It’s been a long journey getting these tracks ready, and I can’t wait for you to hear them. You can stream the full album now on your favorite platform. Please take a listen, add your favorite tracks to your playlists, and share it …

Continue reading “My New Album “Cowboys and Pelicans” is Out Now!”