A few decades back I was working on the ship, The QE2. We had a free day in NYC. I made a beeline for the last known studio address of Carmine Caruso. His "Calisthenics" was proving demanding and unsettling but I was waiting for more positive results. When I reached "The Staircase" magnetic sounds of the trumpet ascending freely confirmed I was in the right place at the right time. No Carmine Caruso but Roy Stevens. Despite having no appointment he courteously invited me to sit in, observe and enjoy. This was an introduction to the pencil method of teeth alignment and aperture. Palming the trumpet for arpeggios was something I had tried and discarded, but when I observed a youngster, whose name was Carlos Diaz, perform Roy's method I was astonished. This was an unforgettable afternoon of humility and a glimpse of enlightenment. I was and remain grateful to Roy for his expertise his humanity and his kindness.

I had the rare experience of studying with ROY at his studio on Broadway . I came in by train from New Haven, Ct. and made it in by 9:30 AM. I brought in a corned beef sandwich for Roy and myself . I stayed the whole day and left at 4 PM. I have a COS 2 MP, AND A JET TONE 1 RS COPY. I would love to share my experiences with ROY as he made such a strong impression! Remember the chimp--sign?

I studied with Roy from 1979 to 1982, he and Mary even came to my wedding in 1981. I spent many weekends at his house in Ossening. He was a great cook and taught me how to crack garlic, a technique I use to this day. I think the most important lesson I learned from Roy was to know what I was doing wrong with my chops and how to correct it. I didn\'t know what a triple G was, until I met him, now I every time I play one I can\'t help but think of him. I miss you. Nicky Hoffman Beechko

I don't remember how I found out about Roy Stevens, but I took trumpet lessons from him in the early 1960s when I was in high school. I remember walking up the stairs to his studio in midtown Manhattan and meeting Roy. He was a bit heavy and had a hip little beard. I thought he was a cool guy. I was having trouble playing high notes with a traditional method and Roy explained his method to me, which sounded pretty interesting. After a while, I learned how to get some pretty high notes out of the trumpet. I remember coming to the studio one day and warming up. After hitting triple C during the warm-up, Roy turned to me with a smile and told me to go home because I didn't need him that day. LOL Roy was a cool guy and I very much valued what I learned from him. I\'ve often wondered about him and I'm delighted to see this website in his honor and to learn that his teachings are still alive. I still have my method book and my original mouthpiece, both of which are sitting on my bookcase in my music room in fond remembrance of Roy and my youthful trumpet playing.

I first met Roy Stevens in the late 60's while a student of Dr. Elmer White at Appalachian State University. It took me about two years before the Costello method finally sunk in to my head, but when it did, my playing changed forever. Playing became a joy instead of what sometimes was a chore. My playing range increased to double c and was no real effort. while at ASU, roy made several trips to the university and immediately upon graduation I had the opportunity to spend a period of time in New York at Roy's studio. While there, I got to meet Lew Soloff and Vince Pincerella and work with each. What an amazing experience. Many thanks are owed to Roy Stevens and Dr. Elmer White. Not only me, but many other young trumpet players, of whom they had so much influence

i studied with roy for a little over 2 years . i visited him manny times at his home in riverdale . he evan came to my wedding we became close friends .he was very patient and understanding of all of his students. i miss him dearly.

great job on the site david

I attended Appalachian State 65-69 studying trumpet under Dr. Elmer White, and was fortunate to travel with Dr. White and several other brass players to Roy’s studio in New York. I was thrilled; the greatest players around came to the “chops doctor” for advice when they ran into problems. I remember him being extremely knowledgeable and patient, with the solitary goal of helping other musicians. Thanks to all those associated with this web site, and to others, who honor him by carrying on his legacy, and in turn continue to contribute to the success of brass players.

I took lessons at ASU from Elmer White, a student of Roy’s. I am living proof that the method works. When I arrived at ASU I was a pretty good player, but my chops were not set up correct. Dr. White changed my chops and I learned to play without pain and finally worked up a range that allowed me to play lead trumpet in Jazz Ensemble. My hat goes off to Dr. White and Dr. Stevens for giving me their gifts! Larry V. Lane