Eddie Lewis Testimonials, Kudos, Compliments and Reviews

Eddie Lewis has been teaching trumpet lessons since 1980. He has been a professional gigging musician since 1982. He’s been publishing trumpet books since 1990. And Eddie has been publishing sheet music since about 1995. In all of these years, Eddie Lewis has never once solicited endorsements from famous people. He doesn’t operate that way.

Instead, Eddie has been collecting comments from normal people who like his work. For the most part, the following testimonials come from the good people that have blessed Eddie’s life with their time, their money, and their interest in what he does and how he does it.

That said, if YOU are someone who has something good to say about lessons with Eddie Lewis, his work as a professional trumpet player, his books or his sheet music, then we encourage you send a quick note to be included here. We put the newest testimonials at the top of the page.

Julia Mason – Lessons.com Review

I have so much to say about Eddie so would like to write just a few sentences first in case you would like a short version!

Eddie is a wonderful teacher. He is great at working with young children. He is consistent, kind, adaptive, creative, and experienced.

The Skype lessons have been very effective. We have thoroughly appreciated our time with Eddie!

My son, Riley, started working with Eddie at 6.5 years old. We were living in the Houston area at the time and Riley had asked for a trumpet for his 6th birthday. I started asking around but no one would take him because of his age, until I found Eddie 6 months later. Riley is now almost 11 and has been playing with Eddie for 4.5 years.

Eddie believes in tenants of the Suzuki method and Riley listens to a lot of music with him. Eddie will play all the music first so Riley has to rely on his ear as well as the notes on the page. It worked beautifully for a young child and now Riley can internalize a song that he hears and mimic the music in a very detailed way, paying attention to note-length, articulation, and dynamics.

Eddie consistently works with his students every week, only rarely missing a lesson for a gig, so Riley has consistently improved during his time with Eddie.

Riley played with Eddie through all his teeth falling out with no problem and worked with his opposite hand the time he broke his finger.

Eddie is kind and cares about his students beyond the trumpet lesson. He tells stories about life and teaches Riley to have priorities. He also helps us with requests. He wrote Riley music for school talent shows and Christmas recitals at his Grandma’s house. He helps him find joy in the trumpet.

Recently, we joined a Big Band group in our hometown and Eddie has been helping Riley work through some challenging music on the rehearsal list. Eddie can adjust to whatever is needed.

We moved to California three years ago and Skype lessons with Eddie have been just as great as the in-person lessons. During the pandemic when the kids were kept home, we added a second lesson to Riley’s week, so he could have something to work on when there was so much time with nothing to do.

I actually started trumpet lessons as well during this time at 38 years old! It has been really fun to share this experience with Riley. Eddie helped us get through a rough period and gave us something to focus on.

Eddie’s knowledge and experience with the trumpet has led to a unique education for Riley. I have not seen the likes of it before. Eddie’s method has given Riley a creative understanding of music. Riley cannot only play the trumpet because of Eddie but he can write music as well. He can improvise and he has been able to apply the lessons he has learned from Eddie to the piano and marimba. He sits down at the piano and just plays with no music. He creates, which is something I never learned in music lessons growing up.

We look forward to lessons each week because no matter how well we have learned the music, he meets us where we are and helps us progress forward.

He has given Riley and I an experience where we can be challenged, without feeling anxiety, because he is there to guide us through it. He practices with us if our practice was insufficient and that is ok with him. It makes the lesson less stressful and more about the enjoyment of it all.

We feel so lucky to have found Eddie. He has enriched our lives immeasurably!

Marcel Boily – Adult Skype Student

Last year, with the pandemia and my retirement from work, I decided to learn to play the Trumpet.

I do not have any background in music ( exept a few lessons taken in the late nineties ) and could not meet with teachers in person because of the limitations brought by covid…

Luckily enough Youtube and the internet make it possible for anybody ( I live in the province of Québec, Canada) to look for teachers all over the world.

Watching videos on YouTube, I learned about Eddie Lewis and his approach. I listened to some of his music. I liked what I heard. I contacted Eddie, he answered my questions even if at that point I was not a pupil of his. After a few emails, I decided to start to take on-line classes with him, using the Skype platform.

A year later, I am still working on a weekly basis with him. I enjoy our sessions. He is always positive, encouraging. It shows that he has experience as much as a performer as a teacher.

Overtime, I realized that he understood my difficulties and cared about my progress. In addition , he has an impressive amount of teaching material developed over the years for students of any level, material well designed and tested.

Besides his capacities as a teacher and musician, he is a great human being with a good sense of humor and wonderful communicating skills. I am looking forward for more lessons with him, hoping that someday I will become comfortable to touch this beautiful but so difficult instrument.

Charles Young – Adult Skype Student

Where to start.

I have been taking lessons with Eddie for about 2 years now and I am more than pleased with the progress I have made under his tutelage.

I have studied both classical and jazz styles with him and he has an amazing knowledge of both areas. To further the learning in either he has a vast array or original exercises and method books that he tailors to your skill level.

I am currently studying jazz with him and after forays into improvisation and composition I am now concentrating on learning and recording the jazz etudes he has composed for the Texas High School Allstate Jazz Band tryouts. They were initially beyond my abilities but he has helped me improve my skills to successfully play them.

One other factor is that I live in Tucson, AZ so all of our lessons have been over Skype. It has worked very well. The connection is good enough for me to play or for him to demonstrate live. Much of the time though is spent reviewing recordings that I have made during the week. I would highly recommend Eddie as a teacher for all levels of players from beginners to aspiring professionals.

Dr. Robert W. Zapf – Adult Skype Student

D.M. Organizational Development; USAF (Retired); Associate Professor (Retired); Freelance Trumpet Musician

As a comeback trumpet musician who studied with some great performers and teachers while serving in an Air Force Band years ago (e. g. Vincent Cichowicz, David Hickman, et al.), I can credibly attest to the efficacy of Mr. Lewis’ observations, philosophies, methods, and approaches regarding how to develop trumpet playing skills and musicianship.

Mr. Lewis is a highly respected performer, great teacher, and all-around fine person. I have been studying with him for more than a year to regain my chops and abilities after many years of not playing, and I plan to continue studying with him for quite some time to come. Accordingly, I harbor no reservations recommending Mr. Lewis to any individual keenly interested in developing their trumpet playing skills and musicianship.

Randall Zapata

Eddie is great with my son and working with him on improving his trumpet skills. I recommend Eddie!

Reggie Goebel – Facebook Post

Eddie, Your solo on Invisible was fantastic! I watched the changes as you played. You were right on. Bravo!!!
Reggie

Wayne Marney – Springfield, Oregon

ONE RANGE a Trumpet Chops Strategy GuideMr. Lewis,  thank you for the daily routines.  The One Range guide and daily routine has corrected lifelong errors in using air support for my range verses pressure on my lips.

Kudos, but you knew the results I would get if I followed your method.  I found that Group 5 is where I belong, for now.  I have seen the benefit in just a couple of weeks.

The One Range book is a must.  Otherwise, I would not get maximum benefit from your experience.

Terry Hanna – Adult Skype Student

Terry was not my first adult Skype student, but he was probably the first one to reach his goals during a twelve lesson package. We used to use a package system where you payed for lesson packages in advance. Terry reached his goals very quickly without ever meeting for an in-person, live lesson.

Eddie,

Now that my 12-lesson pack has ended, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for helping me reach some of my goals so quickly.  Your principles and methods have really advanced my ability to play musically, which is the ultimate goal.  My stated goals of increasing range and endurance were also achieved, but I received much more than that.

I recall what you said in my first lesson, “So, tell me about your practice routine.”  I had no answer because I had no routine.  I just played whatever I felt like playing and did not have a disciplined routine.  The Chops Express exercises, played the way you prescribed them, really helped build my embouchure and facial muscles.  The concepts of paralleling the way weight lifters build muscle worked very well.  In a matter of weeks, I had increased my range and flexibility.

The solo preparation method was another gold nugget.  As you know, playing second trumpet in a community band does not offer a lot of solo opportunities.  My band director liked my sound and last year asked me to play the trumpet solo in Chicago’s “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is”.  I practiced it and memorized it prior to the band ever rehearsing it.  Unfortunately, the band director had some health problems and had to resign his position before we ever got to even practice it.  I was crushed.  A year later, with a new director in place, the song was selected for a concert.  It was given to the lead trumpet player and I was crushed again.  Through a strange set of God-ordained circumstances, it came back to me one week before the concert.  I had been following your solo preparation guidelines and had memorized it, played it faster, slower, and under all kinds of physical distress.  Good thing I did, as the tempo was much faster than I expected it to be.  I played it once with the band at the final rehearsal and then was able to confidently play it for the concert.  The confidence came from the preparation which got me to the point of knowing I could perform it.

You helped me make a step change in my playing and got me to a new level.  I know that my trumpet playing is a gift from God and part of my life’s mission.  Thank you for your patient and insightful instruction, you were a God-send.”

Les Townsend

Les is one of my friends from high school. The comment below was made on Facebook after we had lost touch for many years.

Eddie. I have been listening to your compositions on YouTube lately. I have to say that I am very impressed. Your work is dynamic, complex, moving, and technically outstanding. Your work gets better and better every time I hear it. I love the fact that you have a Music score on YouTube so I can follow along. Those that may say you’re music is too complex and difficult just do not understand what it means to work hard and accomplish playing this artistry. I know from personal experience that if they put their heart into this and other compositions that you wrote, they would accomplish a goal that you set out for them through your music, and ultimately they will feel very satisfied. Also, I believe that for those who challenge themselves with your compositions with a full heart and understand what you’re trying to convey in your music, at the end of the day they will feel very satisfied. Well done my friend. I am completely and utterly floored by the way you combine musical technicality with passionate dynamics. Bravo!”

Leonard Brandt – South Africa

Leonard is a professional trumpet player in East London, South Africa. Over the years Leonard and I have become good friends.

His post to TPIN:

“I’m just writing a brief note about Mr Lewis’s Chops Express and other literature, I have used it over a number of years.

What I want to emphasize in this post is my experience in the past month. I went through a tough illness during the past 3 years, but by His grace I came off all the heavy meds exactly a month ago today.

Now that you have the background to this note let me share my experiences.

I was weak after almost 3 years of chemotherapy treatments and was struggling with my chops.

I decided to practice what I preach and took Chops Express at face value. I followed the instructions to the T, followed the suggested daily schedule and the results I have received have been absolutely amazing.

All through the last month, I have been getting more and more excited about my trumpet, my strength has dramatically increased, tone production, emissions, I have found the notes slotting better than ever. I have also seen a huge improvement in my endurance and range on both ends, pedals to high register during the past month.

To cut a long story short Mr Lewis’s Chops Express has given me a new lease on my trumpet playing life.

I’ve also had tremendous fun playing and practicing much of his other music.

Thank you Mr Lewis”

Lonny Lalanne – Professional Trumpet Player

Lonny is a good friend of mine and is also one of the top lead trumpet players in Houston. He is one of the only trumpet players in the Tejano music hall of fame.

“I own a copy of Eddie Lewis’s Celebrations (duets for trumpets). I use it to practice sight reading, in preparation for hard reading gigs, such as Broadway shows, or Salsa shows. Eddie Lewis covers a wide range of styles, key signatures, time signatures, with easier material in the beginning and a slow progression to moderate difficulty, and then things get challenging. Eddie Lewis has incorporated in these duets a tricky use of multiple accidentals, and other brain twisters. I highly recommend this book for reading development, technique, and added endurance. A wealth of material! I am ready for a new book, is there a new release?”

Amy Mares

Amy hired me to perform taps at her grandfather’s funeral.

“Thank you again so much for playing at my grandpas funeral.  It was so beautiful and we really appreciated it.  : )”

John Holifield

John is a professional trumpet player and also a trumpet method author himself.

“I got hold of your Trumpet Pyramid Book many years ago and then the Daily Routine book. I preferred to organize other books using your Ideology and I must say, I have done nothing but progress ever since. The main reason for my practicing this way was It was actually doable. It was easy to incorporate practicing this way so I could also have a wife, family and a life. Before I would organize my practice schedule with the same materials and progressive style but would practice in full the routine every day and would barely make any strength or range gains, although my technic was amazing.

For a long time I was a believer in Claude Gordon that the only way to succeed was to practice every day for many hours. Even Doc’s comment when he was young about taking a day off – he would know, taking two days off – the band would know, taking three days off – everybody would know. Well I found out the hard way, this ain’t true. Hard work does not always mean success. Smart work will be more successful.

Sorry for the long post but really I do agree with you with your Ideology and practice methods. They work for me and all I have taught since discovering this. So, in essence, Thank You!!!”

Milton Cousins – Past Student

Milton was one of my long term students, studying trumpet with me from his seventh grade year to when he graduated from high school. Milton’s father is also a trumpet player and continues to take occasional lessons.

“I took lessons with Mr. Lewis for 6 years, and he has greatly enriched the enjoyment I take in playing my trumpet. I would recommend him to players of any level looking to improve. I started taking lessons with him after a poor experience with a school-sanctioned private lesson teacher, and I immediately liked him a lot. Mr. Lewis tailors the lessons based on the strengths and weaknesses of the student, as well as the student’s personal goals. I found him to be very philosophical in the way he approaches trumpet playing; he has a vast knowledge of just about every aspect of the instrument, and shares his knowledge and methods in the lessons, instead of just having student blindly follow instructions. Mr. Lewis prepared me for not only competitions like region band and solo contest, but also for what playing trumpet in the “real world” would be like. I’m currently in college (non-music major), and I still play on a weekly basis, which I owe in part to the appreciation of playing I gleaned from my lessons.”

Kyle Taylor – Past Student

Kyle was another long term student, studying with me through his junior high and high school years.

“Eddie Lewis offers exceptional trumpet lessons as well as decades of professional experience to his students. During lessons, I was given numerous musical tools to use throughout my trumpet career to aid in my success as a player, which I still continue to this day, as well as simple, but impactful life lessons specific to the student’s situation.”

“Before taking lessons with Mr. Lewis, I was taking lessons with a local private lesson teacher offered by the school and was told to perform the same routines and was told the same comments on how to improve, with little success. Upon finding Mr. Lewis and beginning to take lessons from him, I noticed a vast improvement in my tone and technique as well as my appreciation for our lessons. Mr. Lewis offered me numerous positive life lessons as well as offering care for his students. This is something that I never experienced before with my previous lesson teacher, as with him, I was just another paycheck. I went from being last chair (7th) in my junior high second band to becoming 2nd chair in the top band in the span of a summer break. After continuing lessons with Mr. Lewis for several years, I became a Texas 5A area level player as well as a proficient jazz player in the Houston area with the help of Mr. Lewis, while also using Mr. Lewis’ suggestions to help overcome my stage fright. As I continue my college career as a student and a lead trumpet player in the Million Dollar Band at The University of Alabama, I still use Mr. Lewis’ techniques offered to me in lessons to continue to improve myself as well as my trumpet playing. I truly could not have asked for a better life mentor or trumpet teacher than Mr. Lewis.”

Kenneth Baird – Oral Roberts University

Kenneth is not only a trumpet player, but also a composer and trumpet book author. When he wrote this kudo, he was a band director at Oral Roberts University.

“After a couple of very busy months in which my practice time dipped to just about nil, I decided to try Eddie’s Chops Express to get myself in shape for an upcoming gig. I started the month in just about the poorest playing shape I’d been in for quite a while. For about 3 weeks, knowing that my work schedule was still going to be quite busy, I used Chops Express almost exclusively (only about 10 – 15 minutes a day). The final week before the gig, I added about 10 minutes of Clarke studies after doing the Chops Express sessions. I’m very pleased to report that I felt very good at my gig. I was quite pleased with my tone and overall playing despite having had only very limited practice time. Eddie knows what he’s talking about! Chops Express works!”

Dena Blue

Dena is a professional jazz vocalist in the Houston area. I have worked with her band many times over the past ten years.

What can be said about Eddie Lewis other than he is a phenomenal player.. he does it all with such ease it .. so awesome. I love his unforgettable jazz trumpet solos.. great job!!

Ned Eldredge

“Eddie Lewis is one of Gabriel’s children! This book [Daily Routines] should be available everywhere.”

Richard Mintz – Houston

“Eddie makes trumpet MUSIC that touches your soul.”

David Bailey

“I have used Celebrations (duet book) in my private teaching since I first received the book, and have to say that the wide range of styles as well was the wide range of difficulty in the duets makes it a perfect addition to any teacher’s library. The students who have played the duets with me have enjoyed them, as have their parents who heard them through the closed door of my studio.

It’s a great book at a great price and will provide a lot of great music-making.”

Randy Snyder – San Jacinto College North – Houston

“Eddie – I wish to express admiration for and appreciation of your method and your teaching. You are a tremendous teacher and your method is exemplary! Thanks for all you have done for me my playing. Truly, truly remarkable.”

Eric Jackson – Past Student – Trumpet with Spain Colored Orange – Houston

Mr. Lewis is hands down the best teacher I’ve ever had…in any subject.  In high school he prepared me for college and I received not only a scholarship but a full ride, something I could never have achieved on my own. I have used the “Physical Trumpet Pyramid” and “Daily Routines” since 1990 and swear by the results. I owe all of my success to these books. His methods have  prepared me for a career as an award winning Trumpet player here in Houston and on a national scale. I personally cannot think of a better opportunity for your sons or daughters to get the instruction they need to take their playing to the next level, whether its just for fun or more academic study Mr. Lewis helps his students develop goals and gives them the tools to get there. Quit wasting your time and sign up for lessons now!”

David Caceres – New York/Houston

“Eddie and I have been working together since the early 90’s. Whether it be the Tom Borling Bebop band, my band, TKOH, Eddie’s Living Rhythms or Noe’s Big Band, he has always been the consummate professional. Regardless of the style of music, he has always given 100%, being true to the music, never considering himself above it. Eddie has also written  many arrangements for my band that I use all the time. If ever I feel uninspired in Houston, I look at Eddie and all of his accomplishments: originals, arrangements, books, study methods, etc…”

Kayla – El Paso, TX

“I love your Daily Routines and music. They’re absolutely wonderful. They have tremendously helped me with my tone, range, and articulation. Your Celebrations duet book is also great for these things on so many levels. I hope someday I can meet you and listen to you play live.”

Dick Schaffer – New York/Houston

“Just received the books. What a wonderful, cheerful, joyous book “Celebrations” is! I intend to “beat my students up” with it. It has something for everyone, from beginner to professional. It’s a playing encyclopedia, pure and simple.”

Russ Nester – Simi Valley, CA

I purchased your “Daily Routines” and the companion “Trumpet Pyramid” books from you a few years ago, along with the amazing TBBB recording. As a personal testimonial, they have “changed my life”, at least my trumpet-playing life. What used to be my “best” days are now my normal, and I no longer struggle for days following a tough gig or after a layoff period. Overall, I am a better and more consistent player. Thank you!! I have subsequently assisted a handful of other players by introducing them to “The Eddie Lewis Method”, as they all fondly call it. I am a part-time professional, and do not profess to be a teacher. With the assistance of your books, however, I have helped them on their journeys to better playing skills, endurance, and range. All were struggling with range, endurance, sound, and inconsistent abilities, some for their entire musical lives. The oldest is in his mid-70’s. All have improved without additional playing or practice time beyond what they had done for many years. Some have improved dramatically well beyond what they had long considered their “level”.

Mark Towns – Houston, TX and Los Angeles, CA

“Thanks so much for the big band arrangements you did of my songs. They were expertly written and turned around very quickly on a short deadline. The charts were accurate, and your musical visions that you introduced  complimented very nicely with my original ideas in each song. You are my first choice for doing more chart work for horns next time I need it, which will be soon. In fact, I’ve got a few new tunes here…”

Darlene Thomas

“Hello Eddie, I wanted to let you know that everything with the wedding was wonderful.  The ceremony and reception turned out great and I want to thank you very much for playing.  The trumpet sounds were magical and really made everything come together.  It was everything that I dreamed it would be and more.  My husband said that you really did and excellent job and I am still hearing compliments on how your performance added so much more to the ceremony as well as the reception.  I really appreciate it.”

Lonnie Lalanne – Houston Freelance Trumpeter

(transcribed from a phone message)
“I’m on 74, 75 and 76 in your duet book. Man, I just want to thank you for this stuff. It’s really perfect for a pro player to cover those styles and I’m gong to tell you the truth – you’re kind of a jerk though – some of that stuff you do, man, that trickery – I really like it. Thanks Eddie.”

Chris Gekker – Trumpet Professor University of Maryland

Your duets have been a great addition to my teaching. I like to do some sight-reading at each students’ lesson, and in your book there is so much variety and range of styles. Some duets are very simple, which can be deceptively challenging, and others have intervallic and rhythmic demands that are quite ambitious. I also appreciate the “swing” duets, of which there are a number: gone are the days when any trumpeter can ignore being able to play well in this manner. Congratulations on such a fine book, and I’m grateful for your contribution to our quest of becoming better musicians and trumpeters.”

Ole J. Utnes – Norway

“This book [Chops Express] is a must have for all serious trumpet players from the beginner to the virtuose artist!”

Joel Fulgham – Houston – Freelance Drummer

“Eddie Lewis will surprise you; he plays awesome jazz solos, seeming to never run out of ideas, and never repeating himself-then he’ll step over and play great lead trumpet. Just when you think you know the limit of his abilities, he’ll go play classical music somewhere, and if there’s time, he’ll top it off with a salsa gig. The cat has one of the broadest packages of skills I’ve ever encountered!”

Rev. Geoffrey Andress – Ingleside Middle School Band Director – Phoenix, AZ

“In 1974 I gave a very young Eddie Lewis a trumpet lesson on our Vermont home’s back porch. “Put some air through this horn and make that sound bounce back at us from the hill across the valley,” I said. With an unbelievably rich tone he did just that, and he hasn’t stopped since. As both a performing music and a public school educator I’ve been privileged to have worked with Tiger several times over the years that followed. I’m an old, well-traveled jazz pianist and singer – directed my first band in 1966. Since then I’ve directed and played in bands all over Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and now Arizona.

Note this well: Eddie is one of the most versatile and talented jazz trumpeters of the hundreds that I’ve worked with. His technique is clean; his sight-reading is right on; his range is large and balanced; and his improvisational skills are incredible – ballads, latin, swing, bop – you name it. But best of all, in spite of being a trumpet player – he’s about as nice a person as you could ever hope to meet. I’m still teaching kids how to make music by playing band instruments.

Last year Eddie was in town visiting his mom and he swung by my school to talk to one of my middle school bands and then my after-school jazz band. He talked about loving what you are doing. He talked about working at what you love. Semi-politely my always talkative kids nodded their heads as they listened. Then he took out his trumpet – and blew the horn. Their eyes grew big. Their mouths were still open but were now silent. He demonstrated some classical themes. He showed some simple warm-ups. He played a jazz standard while I accompanied on piano. And then he even played some tunes along with my jazz band. Some of the kids were there for two hours.

They would have stayed and played and listened all night. So would I. It was nice to play one more time with Eddie Lewis. They still talk about his visit. It is has been my pleasure to talk about him. Contact me at geoffreyandress@yahoo.com if you want to hear more.”

Carol Morgan – Trumpet – Philadelphia, PA/New York/Houston

“All that needs to be said about Eddie is that his devotion to the Creator is evident in every sound that he is a part of. I am humbled and taught by his choices and his beauty.”

Eric Bolvin – Trumpet – San Francisco, CA

“Eddie Lewis does it all! He’s a versatile, creative trumpet player, an excellent composer arranger, and a patient educator. His books are great and he’s very dependable and a hard worker. His articles are always interesting and informative.”

Richard Birk – President IAJE – Houston – Texas

“Eddie recorded all the trumpet parts for the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble Drum Audition Etude compact disc (that means 12 tunes x 4 parts = 48 trumpet parts!) and did an incredible job. He nailed all the parts and recorded virtually every one in the first take. The quality of the CD is great and Eddie’s playing is huge reason for its success. Eddie is one of the best trumpet players around and always the consummate professional.”

Andrew Leinhard – Houston, TX

“Eddie Lewis, besides being a consummate professional, possesses a natural warmth in his playing which when combined with his commanding technique and deep understanding of many idioms — latin, swing, and classical — is a guarantee for world-class music.”

Algernon J.Jones – Jazz Educator / Trombone – Houston, TX

“Eddie Lewis is one of the most exciting trumpet players and composers in the Southwestern United States. He is a very successful Jazz educator and instructor of improvisation on all instruments. Over a span of twenty years, I have known and played with him and he has always demonstrated a high degree of professionalism. He will make an excellent contribution to any jazz endeavor.”

Cameron Kade Kubos – Trumpet – Houston

Eddie Lewis was the first private trumpet teacher I ever had for both jazz and classical. The things I learned from him have followed me from those first days as a freshmen in high school until today. I use concepts and exercises that I got from him on a daily basis, and I totally believe in them. I attribute much of the success I have had from jazz performances to all state bands to college auditions to those first lessons I had with Eddie. On top of his phenomenal musicianship, Eddie is an amazing person. I could not have asked for a better teacher or role model than Eddie to be an influence for both my playing and me personally.”

Joe LoCascio – JoeLoCascio.com – Huston, TX

“Eddie Lewis is a gifted and creative improviser possessed of formidable intellect and passion. His approach is inventive and interactive and his solos are filled with unexpected twists and turns. He has that rare ability to make the rhythm section feel as though they are playing his solo with him rather than beneath him.”

Will Cruz – Universal Rhythm Productions – Houston, TX

“Eddie’s nick name “Tiger” comes alive when you listen to his solos. His execution and approach to soloing are playful at times and aggressive when it counts”

Ed Gerlach – Houston, TX

“Eddie, you’re a fine musical player & it’s so good to be able to call you.”

Ricky Diaz – RickyDiazMusic.com – Houston, TX

“You’re one of my favorite jazz players. Thanks!!!”

Dick Schaffer – Trumpet – Houston Symphony Orchestra (retired)

“I must tell you that your Daily Studies book has been a part of my daily routine since its earliest publication. Its simplicity of construction and excellent sequential organization has been integral in helping me maintain my professional playing standards for years. I truly believe it is one of the tools which has lengthened my career. It is especially useful now, when I am recovering from a lip injury. Working in it is gradually restoring my strength and embouchure feel sooner than I would have expected, thus giving me faith that things will soon be right again. My students have also shown marked improvement while using it. Keep the great books like this one coming! Best of luck on your other projects.”

Aubrey Tucker – RTCRecords.com – Houston, TX

“Eddie Lewis is one of the finest, most versatile, and always prepared professional trumpet artists I have ever heard. And I have heard and worked with many of the great ones. Eddie has an excellent sound, terrific technique, style interpretation, musicianship, accuracy, and an extraordinary trumpet range. He is a quick reader and a world class jazz soloist. In short, he is the total trumpet player. Much more than that, Eddie Lewis is the consummate musician – an excellent composer and arranger and an ardent student of music and practice in all genres. He is congenial and disciplined. Eddie Lewis is a top pro to work with.”

Aubrey Tucker – RTCRecords.com – Houston, TX

“Eddie Lewis is one of the finest, most versatile, and always prepared professional trumpet artists I have ever heard. And I have heard and worked with many of the great ones. Eddie has an excellent sound, terrific technique, style interpretation, musicianship, accuracy, and an extraordinary trumpet range. He is a quick reader and a world class jazz soloist. In short, he is the total trumpet player. Much more than that, Eddie Lewis is the consummate musician – an excellent composer and arranger and an ardent student of music and practice in all genres. He is congenial and disciplined. Eddie Lewis is a top pro to work with.”

Charlie and Lisa Cotrone – Houston, TX

“Musicians are gifted people and if you are talking about Eddie Lewis, you are indeed speaking of one of Houston’s finest, most respected trumpet players. We have had the pleasure and honor of working with Eddie in many situations, from weddings and private parties to huge festivals for quite some time now. His talent is unsurpassed and he is great fun to watch and work with as he motivates a horn section with his “moves”.

We have always had the highest compliments on his versatility, performances and his professionalism and have had occasion to utilize his abilities as an arranger of musical compositions as well. He is thorough and reliable and is a real “pro”. He is highly schooled and a well-known, in-demand trumpeter that knows how to not only read the music and play the song, but also how to deliver it with intense emotion. He can create sounds from a trumpet that I did not know was possible.

Eddie is also a great teacher of music, and I believe this to be true based on our experiences with him and his technical knowledge and his skills in our bands. I would highly recommend including Eddie Lewis in any musical venture one might need a great trumpet player for. He will make any music you play sound better and represent you well. We have always been honored to have him in our horn section and love his versatility to play any style. He has an uncanny ability to “improvise” at any given moment.

Hit-n-Run and the Cugini Band always has a solid, top notch, entertaining trumpet player when Eddie Lewis is on the job and it is our great pleasure and honor to say that we have played with the best of the best and look forward to many years to come of making music together!”

Jeneane Pithan

“I was planning a Texas wedding from Virginia so it was hard for me to meet in person with vendors. I knew I wanted duel trumpet players for my ceremony and I ended up finding Eddie Lewis’ website through a search done on the Internet. I found his site to be very informative and what I liked most about it was that Eddie had uploaded recordings of himself onto the site. No other musician I searched for did that and it really set Eddie apart from the others in my mind. When decisions need to be made from afar, waiting for a CD to arrive in the mail just takes too long. When I contacted him, he was courteous and his prices were the best I had seen. The day of the ceremony arrived and as I walked down the aisle, Eddie and his partner played phenomenally – just what I wanted! Right then and there, I knew I had chosen the right musician to create the regal feel I was going for during my most special day.”

Nelson Mills (Top pro trumpet player in Houston):

“Dear Ed, Thank you for this method book. My father has retired from playing, but once I showed him the book and those limbering exercises, he had to have one. And I bought one for a friend. I really appreciate you turning me onto it. Thankx.”

Peter Toogood (Ann Arbor, MI):

“This piece (Fanfare #14) provided the perfect opening for a recent informal gathering I helped organize with some local amateur musicians. I will certainly keep your work in mind also for future occasions.”

Kenneth Baird (Tulsa OK):

“I have enjoyed becoming acquainted with your web site. I find it to be informative and very enjoyable.”

Kathryn Sherman and Yangau Kim (Yo Puedo Publishing – Houston):

“Dear Eddie, Thank you for supporting Yo Puedo Publishing with your great trumpet and flugelhorn performances! Your energy and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated and helped to make last weekend fantastic. It has been a pleasure to work with you.”

Charlie – (on the Trumpet Herald)

“I found Trane for Trumpet amazing, it showed me that what I was up to could be expanded written down and turned into a technique book. The organization and evolution of the exersizes is very logical and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to write such a great resource.”

Pops McLaughlin – Trumpet Teacher – Dallas, TX

“Eddie Lewis – has written some very good music and has recorded some of it.”

Chad Daversa:

“Found your site through Google.The suggestions for practicing have been some of the most helpful I have come across anywhere.”

Axel Strothmann:

“I recently purchased a copy of “Daily Routines” at CafePress.com and I want to send you a big THANK YOU for writing such a great book.”

Jay Lichtmann

“I have admired your site and downloaded some of your compositions.I like that your site is a mix of pedagogical and compositional stuff.  You obviously are talented over a wide range and have thought hard about what we do and how we do it.  You have all the attributes of an excellent teacher.”

Tim Zachery:

“I am very impressed by the simplicity and thoroughness of the [Daily] routines, so much that I tell all of my musical buddies about your book as well as your website.”

Dan Shaw (Florida)

“Just a note to say that I have enjoyed your “Daily Routines.“It is nice to have an organized compilation of many of the classic exercises in one book for daily use. I have played and studied with some of the best over the past 40 years and your book is a refreshing tool to have on hand.”

Mike Matney – Houston:

“I really enjoyed your trumpet playing last night. Wow, when the three of you [Bob Odneal, Luis Juarez and Eddie Lewis] jammed out front it was incredible! I really like your style of jazz improvisation also. Very awesome!”

Chris Knuston – Houston:

“Eddie is a great trumpet man, a talented web designer, and a heck of a nice guy!”

Magan and John Barnhill:

“Eddie is a great trumpet man, a talented web designer, and a heck of a nice guy!”

Magan and John Barnhill:

“Dear Eddie, Thank you so much for helping to make our wedding so beautiful! I appreciate your playing so very much. Thanks again!”

Buck and Kelli:

“Thank you for playing at our wedding. It was really beautiful and touching to everyone. Thanks for making our day wonderful.”

Donovan Bankhead

“I have found “Daily Routines” to be one of the best guides and resources for trumpet playing. The combination of exercises show you how to correctly play the trumpet. The “method” is based on common sense. It acknowledges the fact that air is the most important fundamental, and then build on that. Excellent method, and worth every penny and then some!”