On Bill Adam and the Adam Routine

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A couple months ago I started doing the "Adam Routine," a collection of exercises that came from American trumpeter and pedagogue Bill Adam. Trombonist Michael Bertoncello (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) suggested I give it a try. He used it regularly for quite awhile (years), and some of his students have found it very rewarding.

Wikipedia has a short biography of Adam, and the Trumpet Herald had an interesting, 2002 forum discussion which covers some of Adam's basic theories.

Interestingly, Adam is described as being a very analytical teacher, but he eschews discussion of technique. The latter, he believes, may be a source of more problems than aid.

In my own practice, I can definitely tell that doing the Adam Routine has helped improve my physical endurance, range, and control. (That doesn't mean I'm an expert at those things as yet, mind.) I imagine that doing any routine regularly will probably lead to similar benefits. This is not a new concept, of course, but it is extremely important and valuable. As the saying goes, "Only practice on the days you eat."

If you'd like a copy of Adam's Routine, you'll be hard pressed to find a 'definitive' copy. There are many exercises that Adam suggested to his students. David Minasian has posted his version of the Adam Routine, and that is a good starting point. Minasian's site also includes a transcript of a speech on pedagogy given by Adam in 1975, and links to some other useful resources.