Roy Stevens
Encyclopedia
Trumpet
The trumpet is the musical instrument with the highest register in the brass family. Trumpets are among the oldest musical instruments, dating back to at least 1500 BCE. They are played by blowing air through closed lips, producing a "buzzing" sound which starts a standing wave vibration in the air...
player, Stevens-Costello System brass embouchure teacher, and author of the Embouchure Self-Analysis: Stevens-Costello Triple C Embouchure Technique with Bill Moriarity.
Biography
Roy Stevens was born on 1916. His father was tailor who died when Roy was very young. This was during the depression era so his family faced financial hardships that befell many families. Roy began playing trumpet professionally in his teens to support his family.Roy played with many of the named bands during the swing era: Tommy Dorsey, Bunny Berigan, and Benny Goodman. Later Roy successfully headed his own big band recording for London Records. Roy’s big band won the Downbeat Band of the Year Award in 1950. He was managed by Joe Glaser, manager for Louie Armstrong, Billy Holiday, Hot Lips Page and Henry Red Allen. Roy also played in the section of the Raymond Scott Orchestra and most notably he played with Coleman Hawkins at Kelly’s Stable on 52nd Street.
Roy encountered William Costello who was a prominent trumpet teacher who also wrote a column in Metronome magazine. Later when Costello retired, Roy took over the studio referring to the teaching as the Steven-Costello System.
While teaching, Roy maintained his playing in combos and big bands. Besides private teaching, Roy was an Associate Instructor at the Columbia University’s Teacher’s College. Roy taught trumpet embouchure until his passing in October 1988.
Pupils
Paul G. Bogosian: lead trumpet player for Don EllisDon Ellis
Don Ellis was an American jazz trumpeter, drummer, composer and bandleader. He is best known for his extensive musical experimentation, particularly in the area of unusual time signatures...
Don Ellis: jazz trumpet player, composer and band leader.
Lloyd Michaels: lead and session trumpet player
Roy Roman: lead trumpet player for Lionel Hampton, Charlie Palmieri, Tito Puente
Vince Penzarella: trumpet player for the NY Philharmonic, NY Metropolitan Opera Company
Lou Soloff: jazz and session trumpet player, band leader
Dr. Elmer R. White: trumpet player and educator - former Professor of Music at Appalachian State University
Bentley Ferguson: Maynard Ferguson's late son spent a summer living and studying with Roy when he was about 14
External links
Tribute Site:Stevens-Costello Method Instruction:
Publication:
By Roy Stevens, co-author and edited by Bill Moriarity, Embouchure Trouble Self-Analysis, Revised Edition 2006 Distributed by Colin Publications