This Week’s Tip

Playing trumpet requires lots of air.  Playing high requires lots of highly compressed air.  But don’t confuse inhaling lots of air with pushing the same volume of air through the horn. That’s like trying to blow a bowling ball through a garden hose—unless you’re Hercules, it just won’t work.  

Instead, try this.  Take a full, relaxed breath before each passage.  Then simply ‘sigh’ through the horn, pushing just enough to keep the air—and sound—steady and full.  If you’re used to blowing hard, this will feel weird.  Give it a week or two.  You’ll be amazed at how little energy it actually takes to play with a bigger, better sound.  Endurance will benefit as well.

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