Hi, been playing trumpet for a while, had a range previously up to about D above top C but I would get tired pretty quickly, and wouldn't be able to play it consistently. I had been trying to develop my range, through lots of exercises and stuff but not a lot was working. However, over the last few months, I've found some weird technique, whereby just by hardly touching the mouthpiece to my lips, and sort of squeaking, I can now comfortably play up to the Bb above that without a problem. Not only this, but I seem to be able to play these notes as long as I like, without tiring, as well as acheiving a decent full tone on them. I just did a 45 min practice, mainly playing around above Top C,and above and I didn't have a problem. The strange thing is, if I try and go back to the old way of playing high, I still can't get higher than the D.
The only problem I've found with this, is that it is very difficult to toungue, and tounguing makes little difference on the flow of sound. I was wondering firstly if anyone knows what the hell I'm doing, second whether or not I should continue to try and develop this, and thirdly if anyone does know if there are any alternate methods of tounging with this technique?
I'm about the same as you. High D consistently and E if I'm feeling good. I have made that sound before but for me it just sounds like I'm almost whistling through the mouthpiece. So if it sounds good for you, use it I would say. As for the tounging, if that's not easy, maybe you shouldn't. Good luck!
right ok. If you use this kind of technique..can you play loud at all? sounds like if you barely touch your lips and squeak through the horn, you won't be projection much sound. If no one can hear you...then what's the point? Also, I'm sure you don't continue to play in normal range with that technique..and I know it is never a good idea to switch embouchures for any reason...especially for improving range. I would suggest you go back to your normal way of playing, and do it right to make sure that you don't run into any problems. Good luck
Yeh I can play pretty loud with it, I'm sort of using it at the moment when I play big band, just for switching to when you get the high notes at the end, I do have to change embouchures so maybe I should stop using it, but thanks anyway for the advice.
You were using whats called a false embursher (excuse the spelling). Some jazz players use it to get to the super high range, some swear by it others say it ruins their regular embursher. Just a FYI
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