Good trumpet sound is easy if you pay attention to a few key details
Good trumpet sound is the result of controlling several simple factors involving you and your trumpet. Good breath acts as the source or fuel of the sound. Good embouchure (how your mouth connects directly to the trumpet) starts the sound, which is then amplified through the trumpet. Starting and stopping the sound is the final variable, which ultimately leads to a musically expressive trumpet sound. Ideas of what constitute good trumpet sound vary from style to style. Classical or wind ensemble trumpet strives for clear sound, clean articulation, and good intonation (playing in tune). Jazz trumpet allows a wider palate of sounds for more musical color and expression.
Instructions
1. Good breathing is the beginning of a healthy trumpet sound. Ensure you have a good supply of breath by breathing deeply into your stomach. Controlling the blowing of the breath as you play is very important. This is mainly achieved through tightening your stomach muscles for support.
2. Embouchure, approximately pronounced "ahm-buh-SURE," is how your mouth meets the trumpet itself. Good embouchure consists of making a good buzz with your lips as you blow through them. Begin with pursing your lips as if about to pronounce something with the letter P. Then blow through the lips while maintaining the lip tension so that a buzz is the result. Steadiness of breath and consistency of lip tension will lead to good tone.
3. Use your tongue placed in a position to pronounce a T to act as a valve to start the buzz with your breath. Directly after the T motion of the tongue, blow for the duration of the note desired. Stop the note by either using the tongue again as a valve, or stopping your breath with your stomach muscles (this is dependent on the style of playing).
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