In vlog eight of the Recover series, Grant Golding focuses on expanding the range of trumpet playing. When discussing range, it's crucial to consider both the high and low notes. As players, it's essential to find inspiration that reignites the passion for playing, just like Hugh Jackman's behind-the-scenes moment from The Greatest Showman inspired Grant.
Before diving into range expansion, Grant reiterates the importance of the foundational techniques: relaxed breathing, solid embouchure strength, and effective use of flutter tonguing. These core elements set the stage for successful range expansion.
See episode eight for yourself, and read on for more handy hints about expanding your range:
Playing the trumpet: the harmonic series and flutter tonguing
Starting with exercises on the harmonic series, such as playing from low C to high E, Grant advises players to add harmonics gradually. Instead of attempting a high note once and moving on, it's about extending and refining these exercises. Flutter tonguing these sequences adds difficulty, enhancing embouchure strength and control.
Practicing these exercises quietly not only challenges control over the instrument but also helps in extending the range. As you progress, Grant suggests increasing the number of harmonics you play and venturing into higher, more challenging registers.
A practical approach to expanding range is to play familiar slow tunes up an octave. This technique forces you to maintain relaxed playing while navigating higher pitches. By reducing mouthpiece pressure and focusing on air movement, you can play these tunes more comfortably at a higher range.
Understanding airspeed when playing the trumpet
The final tip from Grant is about airspeed. He likens this to whistling: lower notes require a flatter tongue, while higher notes need the tongue to arch upwards, reducing the gap and increasing airspeed. This concept is similar to blowing a ping pong ball at different speeds to achieve varying pitches.
Grant suggests a simple analogy to understand the required airspeed for different notes: imagine increasing the speed of blowing a ping pong ball from 5 miles per hour (low C) to 40 miles per hour (high C). This incremental increase helps visualize the required effort and airspeed for playing higher notes effectively (and maybe gives you an idea for your next rainy day without a trumpet!)
Expanding your trumpet range is a blend of technique, practice, and understanding the physics of playing. By focusing on these exercises and the concept of airspeed, you can gradually extend your range, both low and high. Remember, progress in range expansion is about patience, consistent practice, and staying relaxed, especially as you venture into higher pitches. You'll be playing your own "Greatest Show" before you know it!
- Looking for info on the previous episode in the series? Check out the guide to episode seven of Getting Back Into Trumpet.
- Head to @ThepTrumpet and find even more trumpet videos on our YouTube channel.
- If you need a trumpet for your recovery, the pTrumpet hyTech could be your instrument of choice. Find out more about why we created hyTech.
Topics:
