A Close “Look” At Tight And Relaxed Embouchures

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Many times we speak of a big sound as compared to a small sound when playing trumpet. In most cases one is able to hear the difference but knowing how to create a bigger sound is more of a problem. Now we have the solution! Not only are we able to hear the difference but with a little help from a free app., we are able now to see and make adjustment in our sound through Biofeedback. A free and simple to use app. called WavePad by NCH Software can get you started in your Biofeedback quest for a bigger…

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How Much Should I charge for playing my Trumpet?

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One easy answer would be to charge what your playing is worth. Another would be to charge what people are willing to pay. We all have been approached with this question, “How much do you charge to play your trumpet for us”? In order to establish your true value to a listener, first we have to establish what kind of performance you will be asked to do. Taps- The normal compensation in Branson would be $50.00 but this could vary from nothing to possibly more, depending on the size of the service and the amount in their budget. Church solo-…

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Tips for Improving Your Sight Reading

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Many times we are held back by our inability to read new material quickly and accurately. This weakness can surface while playing in a band, on a gig, or in a recording session. Some players seem to be able to read anything placed on their stand while others fumble with even the simplest passages. Teachers many times will explain to their students that the only way to improve their sight reading skills is to do more reading. While this is true, it doesn’t address the basic problems facing the student. I have learned that “just reading more new music” is not a…

Buying A New/Used Trumpet Is Like Buying A New/Used Car

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You may think this is a strange comparison but the selection of each is very similar as I will try to illustrate. Guidelines when purchasing a new car • Should I buy a new car or a used one? • Do I need a new car? • What do I want to do with my new car? • How much money should I spend? • Where can I get the best deal? • Which manufacture should I look at? • Which model should I try? • What options should I consider? • Should I trade in my old model or…

Gap Or No gap? That Is The Distance.

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To most players, the depth that the trumpet mouthpiece extends into the mouthpiece receiver means nothing. To some, it is imperative that the distance be calculated and established. To some, the controversy has never come up. We will try to first explain what is meant by the gap, then how it affects the trumpets playing characteristics and finally show how you can make the necessary adjustment in order to possibly change your instruments playing characteristics. What is meant by the term gap? The term gap refers to the distance from the end of the trumpet mouthpiece to the beginning of…

Long Tones- 10 Reason To Do Them

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We all understand what long tones are. They’re long tones! But did you ever wonder why they are recommended and what benefits we can gain from this tedious practice? 10 benefits of long tones- 1. Long tones help develop strength- by sustaining a note for an extended period of time, the muscles in the embouchure are forced to sustain their current position and thus improve the strength of those muscles. 2. Long tones give you the opportunity to listen to your sound- by listening to your sound; there is a natural tendency to improve on what you are listening to.…

15 Reasons Why the Trumpet is The Most Difficult Instrument to play

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Some may question the validity of this statement but those that do most often are wrong. I will list my reasons and give a light hearted account of why this is the case. 1. Trumpets most often play the melody so everyone knows if we play the wrong notes. Unlike the Bassoon, which plays notes that only Canada geese can hear, the trumpet is expected to play every note the way it was intended. 2. Trumpets are loud. When was the last time a conductor requested that a triangle player play louder? 3. Trumpets are pointed directly towards the listener.…

Why Do Trumpet Players Pass Out? Part II

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Five possible causes of passing out with similar conditions to playing and releasing extended high notes on a trumpet. Material taken from Wikapedia.com 1. Syncope (faint) is a sudden fall of blood pressure resulting in loss of consciousness. 2. Valsalva maneuver or Valsalva manoeuvre. The Valsalva maneuver is performed by attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This can be done by keeping the mouth closed and pinching the nose while trying to breath out. This maneuver greatly increases pressures inside the chest cavity – which stimulates the vagus nerve and increases vagal tone. 3. Orthostatic hypotension, also known as…

Why Do Trumpet Players Pass Out? Part I

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No, this is not a joke for if you have ever had it happen to you, you will agree that it is a possibility. The high range exercises which I and several of my friends are practicing at this time may find us in a possible situation which should be addressed at this time. Most often the dizziness and possible blackout comes shortly after releasing a sustained high note and is seldom present when performing in the middle and low range of the instrument. Some players are more susceptible to this condition than others. Also, those performing in the upper…

Bent Mouthpieces- Good or Bad? Part 2

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I felt it was only fair to share others musicians views on this subject and to do so I visited the Internet to collect these thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of bending a mouthpiece. Some responses agree with me and some do not. It is not my job to argue with anyone on their experience in this area or in any area but just as Fox News advertises, this is a fair and balanced report. Please consider the source for not everything on the internet can be accurate, including my views. Related comments from the Internet on bent mouthpieces…