William Adam (trumpeter)

William Adam
Background information
Birth name	William Alexander Adam
Born	October 21, 1917 Kansas City, Kansas
Died	November 25, 2013(2013-11-25) (aged 96) Bloomington, Indiana
Occupation(s)	Trumpeter, Lecturer, Pedagogue
Instrument	Trumpet

William Alexander Adam (October 21, 1917 – November 25, 2013) was an American trumpeter, respected pedagogue, and Professor Emeritus at Indiana University. He was highly analytical as a teacher, but always avoided discussing the mechanical aspects of trumpet playing with a student. Instead he "taught" by demonstration and by explanation in terms of sound. In his own words, "If your mind leaves the sound of the horn, obstacles will appear."

He gave many lectures throughout his life, but never wrote a book or article on his unconventional approach to trumpet. He believed such a medium was against the very nature of his teaching of trumpet. The only official documentation of his approach is a three-videotape series, A New and Different Way of Getting More Music out of Trumpet. His approach is carried on by his former students, many of whom hold positions at music schools throughout the U.S. and around the world.

He died on November 25, 2013, in Bloomington, Indiana.

See also

• 20th century brass instrumentalists
• List of trumpeters

References

• William A. Adam (subject), John Harbaugh (host), Stewart Aull (camera), A New and Different Way of Getting More Music out of Trumpet, Fairbanks, Alaska: Stewart Aull/Moving Images (1997) (Videocassette), 3 tapes OCLC 38589681
  1. Interview (90 min.)
  2. Pedagogy (84 min.)
  3. Lecture (82 min.)

External links

• Tribute to Master Trumpet Teacher Bill Adam
• Presentation of 2004 ITG Award of Merit and summary of lecture
• Bill Adam forum Discussion of the Bill Adam approach at trumpetherald.com