Quick Facts
Biography
William Alexander "Bill" 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 in 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.
Notable former students
- Chris Botti
- Randy Brecker
- Jerry Hey
- Miroslav Bukovsky
- John Rommel Indiana University
- John Head - Atlanta Symphony
- Robert Burns Jr. (Earth, Wind & Fire)
- Pat Harbison - Indiana University
- Larry Hall
- Charley Davis
- Mark Van Cleave
- Karl Sievers - University of Oklahoma
- Greg Wing - Morehead State University
- John Harbaugh - University of Central Washington
- Bob Platt - Berlin Philharmonic
- Jay Coble (University of South Florida)
- Kevin Kjos (Kutztown University)
- Mark Wilcox (McMurry University)
- James Stokes (Appalachian State University)
- Joe Phelps (Appalachian State University)
- Robert Slack (Citrus College)
- Robert Baca (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)
- Michael Hackett (University of North Carolina - Charlotte)
- Darren Barrett (Jazz Musician - Berklee College of Music)
- Dennis Schneider (University of Nebraska)
- Gil Hoffer (The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own")
- Ansyn Banks (University of Louisville)
- William Dunn (United States Navy Band Washington D.C.)
- Dr. Todd Kelly(Bradley University)
- Dr. Nathan Warner (Lee University)
- Robert Rÿker (principal tuba, Montreal Symphony)
- Dr. Rusty Smith (Elon College)