The Vince Cichowicz–Arban Routine: A Hidden Gem in Trumpet Pedagogy
The Vince Cichowicz–Arban Routine: A Hidden Gem in Trumpet Pedagogy
An inside look at a practice system that shaped generations of players.
When people hear the name Vince Cichowicz, most immediately think of the legendary Long Tones and Flow Studies— foundational exercises that have transformed trumpet playing for decades.
But what many players don’t know is that Cichowicz also developed a powerful, highly structured routine using the Arban Complete Conservatory Method — yes, the same book that’s sitting on nearly every trumpet player’s stand.
This wasn’t just another set of drills. It was a complete system of development — integrating tone, flexibility, articulation, and musicianship in a way that was simple, efficient, and deeply musical.
A Lesson Directly from Vince Cichowicz
During my time at DePaul University, I was fortunate enough to meet Vince Cichowicz twice and even play for him once in a masterclass — an experience I’ll never forget. My two primary teachers at DePaul were both former students of his, and it was through them that I learned this Arban-based practice sequence — the same structure Cichowicz used with his students at Northwestern University and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section. My four years in the DePaul Trumpet Studio were truly transformative, and I remain deeply grateful to all of my teachers from college and beyond — Matt Lee, Kevin Hartman, John Hagstrom, and John Rommel — for their mentorship, inspiration, and the solid foundation they helped me build.
What struck me most was how methodical it was.
Each section of the routine flowed naturally into the next — long tones into flexibility, flexibility into articulation, and articulation into lyrical playing — all within the framework of the Arban book.
It wasn’t about “getting through” pages of etudes. It was about developing sound, efficiency, and musical phrasing through carefully chosen Arban studies and exercises, applied in a specific daily structure.
Why This Routine Matters
If you only know Cichowicz from his Long Tones and Flow Studies, you’re missing out on a huge part of his teaching legacy.
The Arban routine is where his philosophy of “sound before technique” truly comes alive.
It connects the dots between fundamental tone work and real-world playing — giving your practice purpose and shape. It’s one of those systems that quietly transforms your consistency, endurance, and sound concept over time.
I’ve been surprised that this approach isn’t more widely discussed, especially considering how many major players trace their success back to Cichowicz’s methods.
A Balanced, Musical System
What made Vince’s Arban routine so powerful wasn’t just the material — it was the way he approached it.
He emphasized efficiency over endurance, clarity over complexity, and musical intent over mechanical repetition.
Every note had a direction, every breath a purpose.
Even players with years of experience can find something new by approaching Arban through this lens — not as a book of drills, but as a living method for daily artistry.
Learn the Full Routine Inside the Trumpet Mastery Course
Inside my Trumpet Mastery Course, I’ve laid out the full Cichowicz–Arban Routine exactly as I learned it — with step-by-step videos, demonstration tracks, and printable PDFs for each section.
You’ll get access to the exact sequence, including how each Arban section connects to airflow, sound, range, and articulation.
This material has never been widely published, and it’s one of the clearest, most effective practice systems I’ve ever used — whether you’re a student, comeback player, or professional looking to refine your fundamentals.
Learn more and get access to the full routine here.
Final Thoughts
The Cichowicz–Arban Routine bridges generations of trumpet pedagogy — from the golden age of orchestral brass to today’s modern players.
It’s simple, musical, and unbelievably effective when practiced with purpose.
If you’ve been doing long tones and flow studies for years but feel like you’ve hit a plateau, this is the missing link that can take your playing to the next level.
About the Author:
Ryan Hobbs is a professional trumpet player and educator based in Chicago. He performs with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and commercial groups throughout the Midwest, teaches at Illinois Wesleyan University, and runs the Trumpet Mastery Course, helping players around the world refine their tone, range, and efficiency through the teachings of Vince Cichowicz, Clarke, and Arban.