How to stop using too much Mouthpiece Pressure on Trumpet

[@harrelsontrumpets]

You can take lessons with Jason with our Trumpet Momentum Subscription Series of videos here on KZbin. Visit www.whyharrelson.com/trumpet-momentum.html to sign up.

[@abnercotto2368]

Always appreciate your advice. Thank you!

[@eliseoruiz189]

Jason I’ve been playing trumpet since I was 11 yrs old am now 63 gave it up for 20+ yrs, am playing again,one of my biggest mistakes ever is not buying one of your horns, one day I will be able to afford one, your demeanor and compassion along with your passion is how I judge people, and I think you are a really honest and hard working individual who probably doesn’t need to hear this but God bless you and I can’t wait till the proud day I can say I own a Harrelson trumpet, hope to meet you one day. Wish you all the best My name is Omar

[@horntooter]

Appreciate comments about snarky remarks. "How many first trumpeters does it take to screw in a light bulb? 10...one to actually turn the bulb in the socket, and 9 to sit back and say, 'I coulda done it better...'"

[@richardolson8651]

You are 100% right on. I started with the pressure system and had to quit. I could not improve my playing no matter how much I practiced. I was 18 at the time never lost my love of Trumpet and the sound of great players. Thanks to people like you and ur willingness to share imfo I'm playing again at age 75 and doing better than ever. THANKS AGAIN

[@MrJcasilva]

wow! then I have any chane, since I am at my sixties! tks for the comment!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

You're welcome Richard. Thanks for watching.

[@melmar81]

@@harrelsontrumpets Well I'm in my 80's and in the process of changing my embouchure to minimize pressure and hope to reach a reliable double C in the next few months. I'm seeing some progress as I try to overcome some bad habits. So hang in there!

[@johnnyberglund841]

Hi, old mans corner great, Im 86 haha! Been playing on and off trumpet since I heard Roy Eldridge when I was 14 back in 1950in Sweden! No play for very long, since 95, why start then, yeah Chet Baker was on tour in Sweden, I was there, to bad this night he just scatsinging, not ont tune on trumpet! But I working on less pressure all the time, will test You methtod to night, Thanks! On YT, Johnny D Bergh

[@sweetpea7583]

Your passion is contagious. I 'attempt' to play trumpet! Am a Violist by profession but have played trumpet during my years as a very successful band director. I LOVE your presentation re: pressure but also enjoy your "JUST BE NICE"! Folks need to be reminded of this. Not just trumpeters. Thanks for your video.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Thank you.

[@JeffroDH]

Love to hear you cutting loose and being 100% honest.

[@melevin3]

Im 82 and trying trumpet again after 60 years of not playing. I really appreciate your tips and hope to be a better player.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Let me know how I can help!

[@doctoraardvark190]

I especially like your comments about being nice to people. There's so much negativity from trollers now that I'm reluctant to post any questions any more. Even when I'm earnestly trying to gather more information, I get ridiculed or get lots of jokes. So thanks for your sincerity.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I wish we could end all sarcasm and hatred in the world, especially online!

[@gabeholguin630]

Jason.....I love your attitude! "It's free to be nice".....Thank for all you do for our craft...gabriel

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Thank you!

[@jonaskopacek7602]

Awesome video! Thank you for your ideas!

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

I am SOOOO GLAD, I watched this video today; the irony is, I nearly skipped it because I have to practice. I'm a trumpet returnee who used to play in school many many years ago, and I've spent a good month recently trying to get my embouchure right. Mouthpiece pressure is one thing that I've always hated, but believed was a necessary evil. Now thanks to you I can relearn to play with a more comfortable physical style. Subbed.

[@angelamwatts]

Thank you for your video. I used to play the French Horn in high school but gave it up because life took me in a different direction. So now I'm in my 50s and one day I decided to try out for this advanced choir because I like to sing. That did not work out well but the choir director encouraged me to take lessons to learn technique and sight singing. So I hired a private teacher and learned all of this music theory and sight singing. It took me 4 years to become a vocalist on that level. One day I had the idea that I should play an instrument because I felt that I could be taken more seriously as a musician. I chose the trumpet because I love brass instruments and because there are a lot more opportunities to play trumpet for my church than there are for the French Horn. I just started playing this past July and my range is getting better. I feel really tired after playing the high notes. I can't play beyond the first G above the staff without feeling wiped out. The good news is that it's getting better. The reason why I'm having a struggle with it is because of my embescure (not sure I spelled that right). Pressure could be part of it but for me, I have noticed that with patience and lots of practice, it's getting better. My goal is to surprise the choir director, the organist and the choir by coming to practice and playing Jesus Holy Name Glory to God trumpet solo. Everyone would love that. It has a beautiful trumpet solo and we don't have a trumpet player. I guess you could call this a Cinderella trumpet story 😊

[@JoeBabiak]

Greetings Jason, Joe Babiak here. I'm a professional multi-instrumentalist (trumpet being one of those). I have enjoyed your KZbin content and applaud you for your message in this particular video. Inevitably there's going to be criticism from haters/trolls, but if those same people would invest the same time/energy towards positive and supportive feedback, it really would make for a more enriching exchange between players and be more conducive towards growth. And yes, everyone is different, there is no "one size fits all" approach. You hit the nail on the head there. What's common sense to some, is sacrilege to others. In reality, there is no right or wrong when it comes to differences of opinion. Acceptance is key. Anyway, thank you for your valuable contributions, they're very appreciated! All the best 🙂

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I agree. There will always be self-centered people who feel the need to express their opinion like their life is on the line. And you're right, there is no right or wrong when it comes to opinions, but that doesn't mean a narrow opinion won't hold you back. Thanks for your feedback!

[@wayneboyer1]

I've been playing proffesionally for 45 years and I totally agree with your take on pressure. Wayne Boyer

[@harrelsontrumpets]

thanks Wayne

[@johnlennon1049]

Like what you showed on the video. Just subscribed.

[@bobbyakavladimirleonidas8150]

That's some basic physics I guess.. If you press to much towards your teeth then the blood won't circulate since you've squeezed the "donut" too much and got its middle filled with the stuffing that's gonna prevent the air to come through.. Man those people talking shit are just ignorant or jealous. Nothing more than that. And hey, im doing that Costello palm exercise and im suck at it! The highest note I can get is G above the stuff.. ;( Prolly the reason is lack of technique or way bigger mpc that I've ordered out of curiosity ( lotus 2L+) Man you're doing great with that 3 fingers challenge and you're sounding good ! For those who like to throw some negativity - just walk away if you didn't like the content, in fact nobody has invited you here right? if you like it - say it if you don't , why leave your rubbish words here? Its simple man.. Cheers and keep doing them videos. It helps a lot !

[@CharlesBallowe]

Just tripped over this rant on being nice and just wanted to say - I like your videos specifically because of the science.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

thank you!

[@raymae60]

Thank you. You make sense. Wish I could have grasped this at age 13. My teacher told me to play without pressure, but she could not avoid it, and neither could I. I was first chair solo through high school and college, playing semi-pro but never reached above C (or even had to). Then I quit for 20 years. When I resumed playing, rather than playing my old Conn Connstellation trumpet with Bach 10.5 C, I now use both a Warburton MV4 with 9* backbore, and a Bach 3E. My focus has been to build embouchure musclarity. It has helped. At 71 my range is E, but still some lip pressure. It's habit. Better, not best, but I get the job done. Thanks again. I hope a lot of young players are tuning into you.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

It's great that you're playing at 71! Around half of my clients and students are over 60 because they came back to playing trumpet.

[@johnlennon1049]

Going to start practicing holding it with 3 fingers. You make a lot of sense to me! Just subscribed too!

[@roystone9932]

..............totally agree Jason , nice one . Our late band conductor learned that way and told us that he would go for " brush up " lessons and use that same exercise of a trumpet hanging by a thread ...... he was a superb player and a wonderful teacher .

[@harrelsontrumpets]

It's a fun challenge for sure!

[@lvtuba]

You said a naughty word ay 9:52 and it was hilarious! crap talk versus reality.. love it

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Ha!

[@Studio42dotCom-Real]

As a “comeback player” due to my son starting trumpet in junior high, I got my Bach Stradivarious out of storage, cleaned it up and it’s playing like a dream. I can help him learn. Being away from this for almost 20 years, there’s the stuff I remember and the stuff I don’t. One thing I agree about is that in the past, I was using far too much mouthpiece pressure. I was able to nail double C’s, but I was crushing my face. My endurance was zilch and my tone up there was garbage. Now that I’m back at it, I decided to start as fresh as I could. Now, currently, I’m struggling with high C, but I’m hitting them with what I consider an acceptable amount of pressure, which is a LOT less than I used to do. I can hold the note and the tone is gradually improving. I don’t feel fatigued. Now I know I’m doing it in a much better way than I used to. Watching videos of other comeback players documenting their progress, they mostly inspire me. Old guys, young guys, middle-aged guys, all being thrilled at their progress. It doesn’t matter of their jumps from one video to the next is big or small. All progress is positive. I definitely agree that we should be positive. It sounds like we’ve had similar experiences and came to the same conclusion just via a different way of getting there. My way was a little trial and error, as well as starting over and making an intentional effort to do things differently and getting results. You back it up with a scientific explanation that I enjoy that justifies why it works. Most videos you release, I take away something. This one gave me a bit more than others. Thank you! I definitely enjoy your videos. While I do most of my work as an audio engineer, I’m always open to new ideas and concepts. I see no reason why I can’t take the same approach to playing trumpet now. We’re NEVER too old to learn. I’m in a position where bad habits have been lost due to time away. This makes it important to take this new knowledge and put it into application, forming new good habits now and avoiding falling into the problems of the past. I now play for me. If this leads somewhere, then great. If not, that’s OK too. I’m back to MDI sequencing so I can have my own accompanist that doesn’t tire, whine or show up late. I can do my own recordings as well. It’s now fun again. I can thank you as one of the people who help make sense of what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. It’s to the point where I am considering volunteering time at the local junior an high schools with music programs to help get their brass students pointing in the best direction possible.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

You are a great example of what inspires musicians! You clearly love playing enough to put in the time and make it a priority. I encourage you to make recordings, even if you only for you and your friends, volunteer at local schools and see where it takes you! If you haven't already, check out my Trumpet Momentum videos.

[@sammyjacksonofhollywood1245]

Good job, keep on teaching

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

Great video thanks. I am looking for a good horn also.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

You're welcome. Our new Rumors & Dreams trumpets will open up for pre-orders on Wednesday, October 4th. Watch the new video premiering later today.

[@2ndbar]

Great video. I'm 68 and just started playing. This is really cool stuff. Thanks.

[@CornetBlues]

I subscribed and can’t wait to try out these tips next practice session 🎺🎶🎺😊👏👏

[@carlosg.bermudo9638]

Mr. Harrelson, thank you so much for making this video. It helped me to continue searching and working in less pressure.

[@andrewcherowbrier329]

My tutor in the UK in the 1970s had one of those pressure bypass valve gizmos. He used to ride his bike around the neighbourhood buzzing his lips, so they they thought he was a nutter!. He also angled the instrument from the ceiling and obliged you to play while he held the instrument still.

[@SherMusician]

I really enjoyed this immensely

[@johnpearrell8999]

Jason, awesome video on so many fronts/issues. Thank you.

[@Wes7Joplin]

I have a protruding teeth and the pressure was really killing my lip, so I started with the Philip Farkas embouchure system, which is really similar to this approach in the sense that you don't rely too much on pressure to play through all the registers. So far I think my tone and comfort have improved but It's really hard for me to play above the C in the staff. Now I was a little worried because I'm about to wear braces, but watching you play through all the registers so effortlessly applying virtually no pressure convinces me that pressure is not a mandatory thing and makes me believe I'm on the right path. Thank you and good luck.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

You can achieve similar results with braces.

[@Darlexis]

Update?

[@Kelbersao]

Great video, good explanation which you never find it everywhere, worthfull info about mouthpiece pressure which is the most killer ever in marjotity of trumpet players, Thanks for Posting it , GOD bless you!

[@genoortiz743]

Let's add detail to your excellent video. You said, more pressure limits the "blood flow". More explicit to say: with more pressure, "smashes the blood capillaries". Blood capillaries are only large enough for ONE red blood cell to pass through in a single file. Smashing pressure is like tying a knot in the blood vessel (capillary), which stops that vessels blood flow. The key element in endurance (trumpet, muscle action in sports/dance etc) is enhanced and continual blood flow. Under the hood of your car, you would not close off the gas/lines would you? That would close off the gas flow to your engine and your car would cease to perform well....if at all. Smashing your mouthpiece towards your teeth is like closing off gas flow to your engine. Your balance the trumpet with 3 fingers is excellent. With that same idea in mind, years ago, I started doing this. I balanced my mouthpiece on the pad of my thumb (no contact with any other fingers, thumb pad facing the sky). In that position, I would buzz my lips. When I started this, my outcome was very "airy". Now, after trial/error I get an excellent solid buzz with the lightest pressure, and I have transferred the technique with trumpet in hand. I now can actually hit higher notes, and my endurance is greatly enhanced (better blood flow, not smashing capillaries). My volume has become enriched as I leave volume responsibility to my diaphragm. This technique is great when young students have to wear braces. The great young trumpet phenom Javier Gonzalez explains by saying: "when you achieve your high note, change nothing in your mouth, focus on pushing the air up through your torso with your diaphragm." With teachers like you, and Javier, if I pay attention and seriously devote myself to your methods, I have no doubt that I can/will enhance my trumpet performance and enjoyment. Keep up the great work. Aside from being an OK trumpet player, I am on the Medical Staff for the Olympic Games as a "muscular therapist". I have studied "blood flow" extensively at the University level.

[@TootinTim]

Hi Jason, I'm looking to to reduce mouthpiece pressure on my top lip so I can keep a good circulation to help stamina and growth, however I play with very little pressure on on my bottom lip so still have good flexibility. Would you say top lip mouthpiece pressure is the most common issue? I have one of those mouthpiece pressure devices that was given to me by a friend which has an adjustable setting. I can do ok on a medium setting but I lose a seal on the lowest setting. I will have a practise on it now..... and where did I put my string?

[@briantaylor5676]

Thank you Jason. This is very helpful and encouraging. I have been playing for 4.5 years. My range and endurance have been a real struggle because I was doing exactly what you are saying don't do. My range and endurance have massively increased after applying this advice. My lips vibrate so much easier. I'm not cutting off my airstream. I'm not smashing my lips. My tone is incredibly better. Hi notes are actually so much easier. I'm not straining. My flexibility is so ,so much smoother. I can definitely tell that I'm not fighting against myself. A and C above the staff are not even a challenge now. I'm so exited that I have overcome this obstacle. I can play so much longer. Trumpet For Dummies author says you should play the same way in the higher range, the same way you play in the mid range. I now get what he is saying. THANK YOU,THANK YOU for this. To be nice it takes humility. It takes humility to listen and learn. Thank again keep up the helpful Videos Brian

[@EllenUrciola]

Thank you Jason, I have been a novice (non-serious) player in my teen youth, now that I am in my sixties, I have started playing again as a hobby. Much better sound, but too much lip pressure. Your video has given me hope that I continue playing without damaging my teeth or lips. THANKS!

[@darkpillowz]

I am a trombone player that plays with a moderate amount of pressure... I’ve grown a lot id say and I’ve only played for almost 2 years... When I play the trombone like I said I use a moderate amount of pressure, mainly above high G (bass clef). I came to this video in hopes of finding a way to alleviate the amount of pressure I use in playing, I aspire to become professional, to make a name for myself, my inspiration Bill Watrous does exactly what I want to do as a trombonist. I hope truly that this video helps in terms of me playing with little to no pressure as he does. Thank you Jason I will let you know overtime if the distance between hard and hard (as you say) pays off.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Let me know how it goes!

[@BlurredOutBoy]

I'm a nice, crappy beginner on the trumpet. On a good day, i can hold a clean note or move smoothly - for me - from C to G to C. My embouchure is uneven, but i enjoy working on it. And for how little I practice, I feel good. BUT this video has opened my eyes. I thought I would never be able to hold my horn on three fingers and blow anything that sounds like a note. But, shit, I did, and I with repeatability. So, thank you for helping me on this fool's errand.

[@martinrippel9751]

I couldn't agree more, using only as much pressure to keep a "seal" around the mouthpiece rim is very important. I'm mystified that this "more pressure" movement is gaining traction.

[@robertfox8674]

Thanks for the video, which supported my visit to the shop a few weeks ago. I downloaded a spectrum analyzer. Could you do a video on how to read it and what to look for? Thanks.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

yes! ps...I'll be in your neighborhood in October for some hiking :)

[@robertfox8674]

Harrelson Trumpets let me know when you come. Maybe we can get together.

[@peterizzo6527]

Thank you for your careful and insightful videos! They are greatly appreciated. I'm an older guy, have been taking lessons and playing about 4 years, uphill struggle but I love the horn. This video, especially the way you describe maximizing the space between the mouthpiece and the teeth helped me conceptually and practically quite a bit. Cheers and thanks again.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Wishing you the best!

[@FabiusPyromanus]

I love how you speaks.! 😂😂 Thank you so much.!

[@wimkrol2233]

Fantastic talk and info. I love it. I just started playing the cornet and it’s very hard for me. To much pressure on the mouthpiece. And far to much pressure on myself 😉 Thank you very much. I give it a try.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

It's possible to eliminate most of the mouthpiece pressure with careful practice and an open mind.

[@Tortise02]

You are right...it would be great to be a fantastic trumpet player...but it's so much more important to be a kind person. I will try the exercise, though!

[@mer957]

Jason - everything you're saying makes perfect sense. Now I really want to get one of your mpc's so I can take my Bravura to the next level. I'm no pro by any means, but want to improve wherever possible.

[@MrStarbor]

Great and clear

[@carloscolipi5653]

Thanks for this video , I hope I can go and visit your shop soon 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Michaelson100]

great article, I know I have no endurance.I will start warming up using this technique. BTW your horns are beautiful. I doubt I could even afford a mouthpiece. Keep up the great work Sir

[@JustClaude13]

I have no endurance and I can barely play a C major scale. But I'm having fun. Good luck on your studies.

[@kylepogline1790]

I really like you relieving the stigma of all this by saying trying to play this was should be “fun”, it’s a good way to think about it. There are definitely practical ways to use this exercise, but by no means is it an end all ideology.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

No fun, no point in doing it, but all great accomplishments also require thought, patience, work, etc. It's always a balance.

[@jb4469]

Keep up the good work I always enjoy watching these videos

[@musicofnote1]

As a former trumpet player who first got his front teeth rebuilt, effectively killing my playing and then going through 3 embouchure rebuilds, just knowing and even practicing "correctly" will need years of reprogramming muscle memory. After quitting trumpet altogether and only conducting (and teaching conducting) for 9 years, I decided to take up trombone and then after my teaching diploma for trombone/euphonium, noticed that my old "pressing" habits were creeping back in, especially going from the middle or pedal range into the highest range. Here's where I insert the caveat: "You mileage may vary". I stumbled across the Wedge mouthpieces with this asymmetrical rim and it basically retrained my corners to work better with my airflow and airstream (direction of airstrem is "pivotal", so to speak). Basically, you smply can't play on a Wedge and still press. You're forced to keep the corners firm enough to seal, ie pucker. And you really feel how they move forward into the upper registers. I now have a usable range of pedal e-flat up to fourth space treble c. Way more than is necessary for bass trombone. On tenor, which I rarely play, the upper range goes up to f, ie Bolero range. Now, I got a decent tone color (set of tone colors) with the Wedge mouthpieces, but since my embourchure has a new set of muscle memories which are easy to re-activate before every session using a modified Chichowiz routine, I also could set aside the Wedge and use a very nice Greg Black traditional mouthpiece, which, IMHO allows me more freedom in shaping the tonal colors as I want them. IF I for some reason I have any doubts about the chops, I can pull out the Wedge for 15 minutes and that re-affirms, that I am actually still functioning "correctly". "It's just a thought."

[@sweetpea7583]

You are AMAZING!

[@kjjjjjjjj]

Hi, Jason. I find your videos very interesting and helpful, your words are always motivating and leaves me a lot to think about how to get better at trumpet playing. Greetings from Argentina and thanks for sharing your wisdom with all of us.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I hope to meet you when I visit Argentina.

[@frankwcrespo]

great video, I agree with everything you say here

[@chrislittlefield9999]

Jason ~ you're wonderful !

[@arts4691]

Thank you very much, Jason, for that video! Besides of reasonable psychological thoughts in general life it contains "new directions" for me as a trumpet student. To widen up the space between mouthpiece and lips opened a "new door" to a better response of all tones.Now I don t have to fight so much anymore with overblowing pressing high, etc. It is a new sensation to feel the lips freely light touching/sucking lightely at the muthpiece. Thtat approach maybe just not more than one/two milimeters for the mouth, but means a very big step in developing more sensation of joy at that hard work. Of course there is an end where the distance gets too big and more touch becomes necessary, but its "the lips really "finding" the mouthpiece, not the opposite direction.. I am describing just my feel about a tendency here ... phantastic discovery for me. Makes trumpet playing more fun for me and delivers better response. MANY THANKS !

[@harrelsontrumpets]

You're welcome, thanks for your feedback.

[@galenmckinney4159]

Spot on Jason! Some people in the trumpet world are just not nice people. This was a very good video and extremely informative to all players in any profession and ability level. Love the Mouthpieces you made for me too! Thanks Again!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I only have time for people open to learning. Thanks for your comments.

[@JustClaude13]

I read one guy who said that his favorite mouthpiece was the old cornet cookie-cutter mouthpiece. The sharp corner and narrow rim really encouraged a light touch.

[@rcabc9366]

Great video, Sir. I, like so many other horn players, have a problem in dialing in the right amount of pressure. In short, it’s frustrating that I cannot find a solution. I will certainly use the exercise you demonstrated (resting the horn on your fingers and blowing into mouthpiece) in an effort to resolve my issue. Again, great video. Moreover, great job in putting “comment bullies” / “know it alls” in their place. Most of these cats (IMHO) are dealing with insecurity issues. All the best to you. 🌎❤️🕊

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Please see my "Trumpet Momentum" videos which provide the correct exercises.

[@jimiwantstobelieve]

Yea, if there’s anything we germans are good in, is beeng a pain in the ass ;). But serious, got the chance to play one of your horns lately and WOOOOOW, what a great play! I was saving for an inderbienen, but now I guess I have to save some more years for one of your horns. Really great work you do! Thanks also for your great vids!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Certainly not all Germans 😃

[@seymourkuperman9238]

What a Great teacher, beautiful playing.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

thank you

[@sylvestervaldez3459]

That is true science is also involve since I am playing with a 5mm mouthpiece with the correct throat and back bore size and using your trumpet accessories I am learning to use less mouthpiece pressure -my lips is not bleeding again.

[@MaxGr12]

My teacher I had in my second year of learning the trumpet made me play with a device that made air go away when to much pressure is applied, like the one you talk about, and I was already using to much pressure on the G4... I have always had issues hitting the high notes because of that i think, too much pressure destroying my lips. Since September I've been playing 3 hours a week being careful not to use to much pressure and using lips tension if that makes sense and this has helped me a lot! Increase my range, my endurance etc. practice is essential. I completely agree with you, thanks for formulating this issue as well as you did, and I will try use even less pressure. I am only at my ease playing between G3 to G5 so i'll try to expand that !

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Congratulations on recognizing this and making changes!

[@MaxGr12]

@@harrelsontrumpets by the way I heard of the pressure discussion but on the other way around : someone was making fun of people who use pressure as a technique, and the comments all agreed. I thought the debate was originally about using less pressure. Anyway thanks for your video again very informative and helpful

[@Brian.Martin.Trumpet]

Seems like you needed to vent a little, and I don’t blame you one bit. This video needs to be imparted everywhere online.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Yeah, there have been some seriously destructive (and influential) trumpet players jumping on social media threads telling unsuspecting young players things that are not only helpful, but downright mean. It's time we recognize that online bullying is not acceptable.

[@heidigarcia6180]

Currently looking for videos on how to recover🥲 I was out sick for 5 days (doesn’t seem like much but I play/practice every single day, so getting back takes some time for me:) and when I came back to it, I reverted to old habits that I had eliminated weeks prior. My issue before was too much tension in throat/neck when playing. I couldn’t even swallow after I was so sore! That’s fine now! The issue was also too much pressure on the lips (the dreaded ring!) I have also solved that! I guess now that I have concert assessment out of our county, I’m getting nervous and going back to old habits 😭 I strained myself so much yesterday playing, that now I have little cut marks in the inside of the top and bottom lip:((( it feels super sore to even buzz, in class today I couldn’t even play a D on the staff without sounding airy! Now I’m worried! But this video is so helpful! Increasing distance instead of just the saying “less pressure” is so helpful to a student such as myself who is more of a visual learner and auditory! Thank you so much!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

You're welcome. I hope you get back to 100%

[@rangermcq6281]

I wish I could have you as my instructor!

[@davecrary5716]

An old trumpet player told me he took lessons from Renold Schilke, the maker of the Schilke trumpet. Schilke would suspend a trumpet with a cord requiring the student to play a high C without touching the trumpet with their hands. I can't verify his claim but I knew him well enough to believe him. He had been a Army musician who had played with Cannonball Adderley. Both were in the 36th Army Band at the time in the 50's.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Nice. I've known many people who have suspended trumpets from the ceiling for the same reason. 👍

[@edson_sossai]

This is exactly my problem which I haven’t yet figure it out how to increase that space between my teeth and the rim of the mouthpiece. I can only play high with the expense of mouthpiece pressure but loose tone and specially endurance.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I'm happy to help you.

[@tonyc2020]

Great positive video which certainly motivates me to increase that space between the hard surfaces and l look forward to the next episode! Tony Ledwaba-Chapman, Harrogate, Yorkshire

[@harrelsontrumpets]

There have been many new videos produced since this one :)

[@rvrvrvrvrvrv007]

Hi Jason, I totally agree with you on all the negative people which should make a turn of 180°. I love the explanation of the mouthpiece distance. I do discrease the distance when trying to play higher so that is still a quiet bad thing which I need to improve. I will definitly try to change it. I played when I was young (10 till an age of 16) I guess with not that much practice but with a weekly lesson). Im 30 now and start playing again a couple months ago. I really love it. Im still playing with the standard 7c bach moutpiece and I think that suffers my endurence. Can you maybe give me, some advice what to do, or how to approach selecting a new moutpiece which will fit me the best? Is the best thing to do -> go to a shop and try different mouthpieces? or do you have some other advice? Looking forward to your reply! Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

We offer modular mouthpieces that are guaranteed to fit or you get your money back. Our 5MM system includes free exchanges, consult and support. If this does not work for you, I would recommend finding a reputable teacher to guide you through mouthpiece options.

[@rvrvrvrvrvrv007]

Hi Jason, thanks for your reply, Ye! I did see some video's of your modular mouthpiece . But I live in the Netherlands so how would you make it possible to find the right cup for instance from your location. Thank you in advance for your reply. Kind regards

[@piccolo8]

A great thank you from a French beginner !

[@brianlassiter3011]

Yep. Also why HL Clarke said play his e ercises as soft as possible. It sets the pressure to just enough, and sets the lips where they need to be for the full range.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Yes, this is so very true.

[@bassmanx357]

Very great lesson here !💯🔥

[@thedamndiz2343]

"It's free to be nice". I fuckin love that Jason. U got a pretty dope girlfriend. Keep up the kind words of encouragement as always. More people need to adhere to this way of thinking.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

thanks!

[@MikeM91320]

Thanks for the video. My first teacher told me that less pressure is better and I try to think about that when practicing, however, I notice that whenever I start getting to hire notes, I end up with far more MP pressure. Is there anything specific you do or is this just something that happens with experience?

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Please watch the next video in this series. It will be released in a few days.

[@vfam5860]

Thanks for sharing, I agree - nice is awesome. I'm totally not a pro trumpet player by any means, but I appreciate your insights - great stuff. Hopefully I can afford a custom trumpet some day and start practicing more and actually learn charts - better than I currently read (not much, mostly by ear). You're doing great, so anyone who isn't respectful can easily be muted by the nice people in the world - they are just having another bad day. Great video, love it. Tim

[@harrelsontrumpets]

thank you

[@timoteoluna3789]

Less pressure is the only way to go especially I think for longevity

[@benwolstein1905]

Hi Jason, thanks for the video, quick question. Do you think there is a happy medium between playing with such little pressure and applying extreme pressure? I've tried applying as little pressure as possible and it doesn't seem like there is enough "seal." When I try to play like this I also have problems with being too tense or strained. Thanks again!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I definitely do not think anyone with pressure habits should attempt to immediately start playing with very little pressure. It is necessary to build the muscle and coordination of aperture control to slowly develope the habit of creating more space between the teeth and mouthpiece. See my Trumpet Momentum series of videos for more insight.

[@brettott9335]

Which videos are you referring to for the drills you mention? Trying to play comfortably without too much pressure on my teeth and lips. Thanks!

[@tjarema]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@BenjaminFrock]

Some interesting points but I would say that there are other factors to consider. The strength of the embouchure and forward pressure created by strong embouchure control which is also part of good aperture control, very much influence all of this. This also influences the distance between the teeth and the rim but It's not just a two dimensional formula of how hard your are pushing the mouthpiece against your face IMO.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Hi Ben, I agree 100% which is why I discuss all other factors, each in their own video.

[@plithos]

Hey Jason! thank you for the Insight! Allow me to share a thought regarding your video (and all the other videos out there that touch the same subject of lip pressure): It's one idea to suggest less lip pressure and it's a whole other thing how to achieve this.. I mean this needs to be accompanied with more insight of what this lack of pressure requires to get achieved.. for some reason people, YT tutors who try to persuade others/students that less pressure is desirable forget to mention what tools a player must have or use to achieve it.. To make this comment short, we forget for example that in order to apply less pressure means that a player needs to have a stronger embouchure to manage to hold the lips together, when higher air pressure challenges them.. Am I wrong? So then the challenge moves to another matter, which requires more practicing, better air and certain exercises to do that, with less pressure now and this thing becomes a spiral circle.. which never seems to end.. I enjoy your videos. I encourage you to keep on

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I didn't "forget" to teach the exercises needed. They are found throughout my KZbin channel. I recommend starting with my "Trumpet Momentum" series. :)

[@flightmansam]

Hi Jason. Thanks for the great lesson, it has already opened my world. You mentioned that free buzzing is damaging to your lips. Do you have a video about free buzzing? If not I would love to learn more. I'm a chronic free buzzer for warming up (particularly in the shower because I love the acoustics!), it's one of the things I have always done without thinking about it, and it would be good to hear an expert's thoughts on it. Since your thoughts were contrary to mine it has made me very curious. (Scientist too btw!!)

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Free buzzing is not damaging to your lips, but it often leads to an imbalance in the embouchure. Since free buzzing lacks the acoustic impedance response of the brass instrument, too much practice with this method leads to habits that do not apply to actual brass playing.

[@raywolf32]

Great video, Jason , so true kindness is free there's too much 💩 in the world. You're a good man😀🎺

[@harrelsontrumpets]

thanks for the kind words!

[@Solazur007]

Some of the best stuff… great info. Seriously lol’ing at the remarks about snotty classical players…

[@paulbin]

Thank you very much Sir! I do highly respect and appreciate your work and passion for it! I would humbly like to ask you a question: if you have an old unefficient trumpet which is quite hard to play, feels 'stuffy' and is somewhat 'flat' in the upper register...... could this be fixed by a better mouthpiece? How important is the mouthpiece really according to your research? Greetings and all the best.

[@harrelsontrumpets]

I would recommend having your trumpet inspected by a repair tech. There could be something stuck inside or misaligned parts due to wear or replaced felts that are not to original specifications. Other causes could be air leaks, constricted internal areas (oxidation and mineral deposits) and excessive mouthpiece gap. It is unlikely that a better mouthpiece will compensate for other issues present. Give me a call if you want to discuss further.

[@paulbin]

@@harrelsontrumpets Thanks a lot for your reply. I would love to call you but I am from Europe and my english is not good enough for a phone call😩. But thank you anyway!🙂✋

[@gawronowicz5010]

I also noticed that "no pressure" way of playing encourages the "unfurled" /duck lip position. Per many technically great players like Larry Meregillano or Lynn Nicholson this seems to be one of the key elements of efficient playing (other would be abdominal/chest cavity compression I guess). I'm not sure if you have ever covered this subject Jason. What's your take on this? Thanks for the video. I can't wait for the next one !

[@harrelsontrumpets]

thank you

[@ManuelDRodriguez]

Thank you sir

[@christopherbarker181]

I would love to be able to play with that little pressure; we’ll see. I’m 72 and just had a 2.5 year layoff to get braces to realign my teeth. I’m in my second week of practice and I’m seeing some positive results. I’ve been playing a Bach 1.5C for over 50 years and I’m not sure if I should change. I am fortunate enough to have a contact in the USAF band and he plays in the “Airmen Of Note” and he suggested that I try a Bach 3D just to give me some ease but I’m worried because I think the rim on that mouthpiece is smaller and I think I need the larger rim. Thank you for your insightful video; you’ll never get criticism from me.😊

[@selpingos]

Wow Jason bravo! was blessed to hear of your beginnings and how you came up. Its an inspiration

[@seymourkuperman9238]

I like the way you said that guy was a pain in the ass

[@SeaJT]

I am trying my hardest to stop using mouthpiece pressure however it feels impossible to get the notes out without that pressure, or without tension in the corners of my mouth. I tense my corners super hard to where it tires me out fast and then i cant play but I cant seem to play the notes otherwise

[@richporter9461]

Hi Jason.. interesting video !! I'm just dropping you a message, as you have responded to some things i maybe have posted or commented on. we have talked before many years ago I'm just taking this opportunity to say hi and wish you well ! I can't seem to remember what we originally talked about ..... I'm getting on that path of forgetful wisdom !! lol I've been spending my time buying and selling Vintage trumpets, having lots of fun !!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Nice to hear from you Rich. I hope you're doing well!

[@TheOlk87]

To me, your lip slurs on three fingers looks really easy! Also, good talk! Thanks

[@jimcurrie]

We were taught about being nice trumpet players, and we were also taught about mouthpiece pressure.

[@AGUSTINMARTINEZ-lz2vc]

I will go denver and buy one of your trumpets..greetings from monterrey mexico..great explanation..I have many years suffering of pressure in my mouthpiece

[@timoteoluna3789]

Have you given a review on those wedge mouthpieces yet 🤔

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Yes, I have. In fact, I helped test the prototype designs before it went into production, and my trumpet studio gave valuable feedback as well.

[@pebblebeach8517]

The best advice I’ve gotten from you is to allow the combinations of a sympathetic lip buzz with just enough teeth clearance to free blow my lips , when I combine those two systems my tone becomes vibrant hitting the sweet spot of the target note... for some odd reason if I am playing a mouth piece that’s too small or a tightly wound instrument I struggle to balance those two techniques... for me a wider deep mouth piece along with a freer blowing horn is my best chance to allow the instrument to sing. Thanks, Jason...(keeping the lips fresh through plenty of rest and ample hydration is also a major player in producing great tone and preventing injury.)

[@frankgerace5997]

Mouthpiece pressure is an ongoing battle for me..I think I get the problem of excessive pressure solved, and it creeps back into my playing!!

[@DoubleMinority]

I’m surprised how well that trick worked (3 fingers)

[@harrelsontrumpets]

awesome!