How To

How to Improve Range on Trumpet

Contributor
By Laura Gyre
eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

While there are plenty of factors that distinguish an expert trumpet player from a beginner, the improvement that many players are most eager to make is to increase their range. Improving your range is challenging, but with consistent practice it will come eventually. The larger range of material that you will be able to play is definitely worth the time and effort. Read on to learn how to improve range on the trumpet.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Trumpet
  1. Step 1

    Practice, practice, practice. Fancy exercises can be helpful, but the single biggest factor in improving your range on trumpet is probably how often and for how long you practice. Consistency of practice is more important than length--even the best trumpet players find that if they go for too long between practice sessions, their ability is affected. If it's at all possible, practice for at least a few minutes one or more times per day, and make those sessions as long as possible.

  2. Step 2

    Use your breath wisely. Passing a large volume of air through the trumpet is especially important for playing in higher registers. In order to breathe effectively, make sure that you sit or stand up straight and hold your horn high while you practice, so that your lungs are not compressed.

  3. Step 3

    Practice sustained long tones. It might be much more interesting to play technically complex pieces, but playing plenty of long notes too, with your attention on a pleasant and even tone, builds muscle strength and technique. These qualities are important for improving your range on trumpet.

  4. Step 4

    Practice with just your mouthpiece. Without the trumpet, try to play scales or other patterns with many different pitches. Using only your embouchure to create a variety of notes helps you learn to control and expand your range. Practice long tones using just the mouthpiece, too.

  5. Step 5

    Play high notes.The exercises mentioned above are very important in order to improve your range on trumpet, even though they may not include many high notes. Actually trying to play the notes, though, is both a reward for all that hard work and another important part of the process. Don't push yourself too hard in the upper registers, because you could develop bad techniques. Just make sure to exercise the full range you have now, and more will come eventually.

Tips & Warnings
  • Another benefit to practicing exercises with just your mouthpiece is that you can easily carry it with you and get in extra practice sessions whenever you have a few minutes. Just don't lose it.
  • Don't strain to play high notes or press the trumpet tightly against your lips. Doing these things can contribute to habits that will be very difficult to break, and create tone that is not that great anyway. Hold the trumpet gently, use plenty of air, and keep practicing.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Have you done this? Click here to let us know.

I Did This

Related Ads

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Arts and Entertainment