Trumpet Technique (No.1)
The most important point for most trumpet players is: Hold the instrument up!!!!
Why do so many trumpet players lack the ability to hold the damn thing properly!!!
The answer; young trumpeters are taught by non-specialized teachers players. This is a subject that I could write pages about and am sure that one day I will. However, for today I will only lightly touch upon this subject.
Quite plainly (excluding those with extreme facial characteristics) the trumpet should be held at a near perfect 90 degree angle to the face.
This insures that the lip muscles are working together as a strong effective unit, that the diaphragmatic, intercostal and clavicular muscles are able to let you blow freely without fear or chop resistance.
These images display a cross-section of a flawed and a strong technique:
1) Poor Technique
2) Good Technique
When you use only part of your lip to form a note it is like trying to pick up a weight with your little finger rather than the entire arm. The results are a weak and feeble tone and even worse, a dangerous way of playing which could potentially damage your playing muscles irreparably.
So step 1 of becoming a strong trumpet player – Hold The Instrument Properly!!!
[…] 2) Good Technique Keep in mind that each individual is physically unique hence why this is the ideal way for 90% of players to play as it’s theoretically the most balanced and strongest position to blow. If you’d like to know more you can see a previous post I made on chop position – Trumpet Technique No. 1. […]