Any trumpet student can get those dazzling high notes to come out if they are willing to work for it and make the upper register become familiar. Playing like Doc Severinsen not only takes gusto and style, but it also demands that a player coordinate their embouchure, airspeed, and mouthpiece pressure. The same is true for learning any technique that requires muscular coordination and mental focus. These actions were once “difficult” until we were coached through the process, practiced, and eventually mastered the skill.

Driving your car from home to work is usually a mindless activity. Hopping on a bicycle and riding down the block is no big deal for most people. Throwing a ball accurately to another person standing 20 feet away from you seems simple. This blog post presents a practical approach to building a healthy upper register. When students do have to play in the high register, they tend to play with too much pressure, tension, and a lack of air support. Many students shy away from practicing in their upper register because it is uncomfortable to do so. Rather than referring to high notes as “hard,” “challenging,” or “difficult,” I advocate a philosophy where the upper register is simply unfamiliar. Most people would consider this skill to be “difficult,” but I want to change the way in which we discuss and approach the upper register.

The ability to play in the upper register eludes many young trumpet players and frustrates their teachers.

Trumpet Pedal Tones For High Range