This book is designed to systematically develop strength and muscle coordination along with wind control so that the student will play naturally and easily as his fears disappear. Claude Gordon was born in Helena, Montana, to Dr. James Austin and Nellie (Elge) Gordon. Both of his parents, his brothers and sisters were all accomplished performers and formed a family orchestra playing for radio stations and hotels in the Northwest. His early training came under the experienced guidance of his composer-conductor father and his concert-pianist mother. Having begun his music study at the early age of eight, Claude was soloist of the Helena High School Band while still in the fifth grade. His early professional training was extensive in local bands and orchestras including symphony, theaters and radio. He moved to Los Angeles and studies trumpet for many years with the late Dr. Herbert L. Clarke and Louis Maggio. He played with many of the great traveling orchestras and most of the major hotels and theaters on the west coast. He played in the motion picture studio at Los Angeles and many NBC and CBS radio shows. Claude was first trumpeter for the CBS Broadcasting Company for eleven years under prominent conductors such as: Lud Gluskin, Wilbur Hatch, Mark Warnow, Leith Stevens, Paul Weston, the late Al Sack and many others. In 1950 Claude formed his own orchestra to do recording for Capitol Transcriptions and since then has recorded for different companies including Vogue, Liberty and Warner Brothers. In 1959 "Claude Gordon and His Orchestra" won the title "Best New Band in America" in a nation-wide contest of 183 bands from the United States and Canada. The most severe critics are unanimous in their praise of his splendid ability. Cladue is presently a faculty member of the California Institute of the Arts - School of Music. He is very active in teaching and clinic work. His students appear in the leading orchestras throughout the country.