An important aspect of the art of trumpet playing, is mastering the physical components of the mind and body. Like all wind instruments, especially those in the brass family, trumpet players must be able to control the air stream. It is the energy, power source and life-blood of playing. This is somewhat akin to the art of golfing. While golfing is surely a physical sport, the fluidity and control of the player’s movements are far more important than brute strength. In trumpet playing it is critically important for players to produce the air stream and control it in a way that does not close the throat off. I myself unknowingly suffered from this throat issue for years. Some days I could play brilliantly; many other times horribly. I was very frustrated by this even after it was brought to my attention by a keen observer. While I have finally gained mental control of this negative impediment, I must vigilantly be on guard, because it is a natural physical occurrence within our bodies.
In order to properly play the trumpet a certain amount of tension is required in the facial and abdomen areas, however, all other physical components of the body must be focused yet relaxed, especially the mind. This is a very difficult thing for most of us to do.
In his book, ‘The Art of Brass Playing,’ Phillip Farkas wrote, “in order to produce a sound on a brass instrument we must vibrate the lips into the mouthpiece by means of the air-stream. In order to create this vibration, certain muscles must be tensed.” Farkas goes on to describe this as a combination of tension in both the cheek and chin muscles simultaneously. These two must compliment each other – as Farkas says, “smile and pucker balance each other, resulting in puckered smile.”
In the process of producing the forced respiration necessary to sound our trumpets and directing it to a tensed embouchure, we may actually impede the air-flow because of tensed torsos, shoulders, necks and throats.
As I mentioned earlier, it is a natural tendency to tighten the throat. This phenomenon is known as the Valsalva maneuver and is defined by the medical community as a natural bodily function in which “…the throat closes simultaneously with respiratory muscle contraction” (Breathing for Musicians, Scott A. Nelson, DMA). While this may be a natural part of respiratory muscle function, as Dr. Nelson points out, “it is devastatingly disastrous to speaking, singing, and wind instrument play.”
So, if you want to become a top-notch player, you have to learn to control this issue. Remember, more air can get through if you keep your throat OPEN and blow easily through your lips. Practice scales, and anything else for that matter, without the horn on your face. Rather, finger the notes on the horn and blow the notes with your lips in a whistle, singing type manner. Afterwards, play the scale or passages with your trumpet. Alternate back and forth in this manner being cognizant of an OPEN throat. These alternate blowing sessions are referred to as “wind patterns” and are extremely helpful in reducing throat tension. Do a lot of wind patterns!
It is also possible that the throat pressure is caused by tension in the hands, arms, shoulders and neck, which translates into a tight throat. Hold the horn loosely as possible. You may also want to adopt one of the recommendations of Claude Gordon and, “lift the fingers high and strike the valves hard.” This may relieve some of the tension in your hands and arms.
Of course, this is the sort of thing that won’t cure itself overnight. You will have to be diligent and become conscious of how you control and direct your air energy.
There are several books available on the balance of tension , air-flow and relaxation. Some of my favorites include:
Very nice post, and I totally agree with you. To become a good trumpet player you must blow from the lips and sing as hell in the brain.
The concept of song and wind by Arnold Jacobs.
I especially believe that if you sing in the brain all technical problems will disappear. The wind is just good to use as a generator for the body to get moving with the air. But still, it’s now the wind which makes the music, it’s the song!