Hey guys, i posted a simular post in the trombone section, though... how bad is it to puff your cheeks when you play trumpet, cuz, if you've seen the AWESUM Australian James Morrison play he puffs his cheeks, a HELL OF A LOT!!

Why does my teacher tell me not to? especially if he does?

If you puff your cheeks, it's easier to lose control of you embochoure, and your airflow is constricted. Your range is also limited if you puff your cheeks.

james morrison has great chops. He looks like he puffs his cheeks but he still has them held in a bit. the way he plays, his cheeks would blow up if he wasn't using some muscle to keep them held in place... it's just how he is. Plus, I imagine you sound pretty terrible when you puff your cheeks because if you sounded like james morrison your teacher wouldn't be saying that.

I have been playing for a long time (10 of my 18 years) on and off, and it actually hurts for me to puff my cheeks out when I play.

I understand what you guys are saying! thanks for the feedback, by the way, I don't puff my cheeks anymore!!

tubachick