Play Trumpet More Efficiently! | "A for Air" | Trumpet A-Z, S01E01

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Let us know what you think of this new series. Please comment with any questions or feedback you may have.

[@johnboltas9433]

How

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

By commenting on KZbin as you just did. I try to read and answer all comments!

[@danieloleary1782]

As a comeback player that has gone through not one but two major embuesure changes and in doing so have done extensive internet research I have discovered two outstanding channels of exemplary quality. Bryan Davis hear on Air Flow music and " Ruff Tips". No need to make any choice here other than both. Expertise in correct instruction doesn't get any than better . Count our lucky stars these videos are there for no more than a thumbs up a free subscription , our full attention and possibly a contribution in appreciation for expert advice targeted to good sense.

[@Tube-bank]

Hello Bryan, to get the G to speak, are we tonguing or just moving the air gently forwards (I’m trying to avoid the expression ‘breath attack’. Which I dislike). I’m trying not to overthink this. I have a good feeling that the teaching in this “Air” video is going to help me a lot. Thanks. Peter

[@MiltonTheTortoise]

Hi Bryan! Thanks for the series of videos. I've today re-started learning to play trumpet after a 7-month break (I was beginner at that point too!) so really starting from scratch. Having watched several videos in the lead up to 'day 1' , specifically emphasizing a lesson one approach, I think your hints and tips do a great break job of breaking it down in to the component parts, rather than the 'make the face', buzz and play a note' approach from others. I'm hoping your videos will keep the enthusiasm high, help me learn at a relaxed pace and give some confidence that one day I can play at a confident beginner level. Thanks again!!

[@harrelsontrumpets]

Looks good so far Bryan!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks Jason. I appreciate you looking in!

[@cuneytengor1636]

thanks Bryan , very easly hehe Im happy now !

[@vincentdesiano4861]

Hi Bryan, you sound like a keeper! I'll be checking in on you again. Thanks!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks for watching! I have plenty more videos for you to check out, with more added regularly. I hope you’ll subscribe and join the community!

[@ultramanxk7]

Simple, but very effective trumpet playing tips, thank You Mr. Bryan!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@kaydensweeting1152]

Anybody notice that the intro is the sound they use in star trek for a dramatic scene

[@winnietherpooh4441]

Dear Bryan (interesting spelling of the name Brian)? I have COPD. How much lung capacity does one need to play the trumpet? I have 3 litres, where 7.5 litres is normal for my age (70 years old).

[@funkyfrog2744]

Im not able to find it :c

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Not able to find what?

[@jadenfez4995]

The thing I have trouble is that if I try to play a G with little effort, then start going up a scale or thirds, my neck starts puffing. I can always get my first note effortless but then I start overblowing on the next notes

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Try going a half step at a time.

[@fellowcrusader222]

What type of mouthpiece is that? Is considered a megatone?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

It's a custom piece by Karl Hammond Design converted to a Schagerl Apredato, by the fine folks at Schagerl. The conversion consists of skeletonising the mouthpiece and adding the screw-on chamber, which is filled with water. It looks and behaves like a heavyweight mouthpiece without the weight, which makes it more comfortable to play. "Megatone" is the brand name of heavyweight versions of mouthpieces made by the Bach company - there are numerous other manufacturers who make mouthpieces in different weights too.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user_28373]

When I’m practicing with just the mouthpiece do I buzz my lips? Or?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Free buzzing - or just buzzing the lips - is slightly different to buzzing the mouthpiece. They don’t work exactly the same. I’ve posted videos about both. - “L for Lip Buzzing” from the Trumpet A-Z - kzbin.info/www/bejne/opqsaoKugbZ4mbs - #TrumpetProTips #1 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYfcp5qcosShpLc

[@craigsproston7378]

Is this the same as playing trombone or tuba ?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

The basic fundamentals of playing brass instruments are the same. There are, obviously, differences caused by the size of the mouthpieces - our embouchures have to strengthen and focus in slightly different ways. I play the trumpet so that’s the perspective I can speak from. On the rare occasion I get into very specific topics, then it may not be exactly the same for low brass, but for the broader topics I generally discuss, it should translate just fine.

[@svenlarsson]

Yes it is exactly the same! I am playing bass trombone and tuba since many years proffesionally. Beautiful demo!

[@Tube-bank]

Bryan, I understand and can demonstrate what you say about how little air is needed to make the horn to speak. But when you have a practice mute in, why do we get should a powerful stream of air from the tiny 1mm? hole in the centre of the mute? Thanks. Peter BTW I’d like you to know that I ordered your “Combination Drills … Vil 1” yesterday from Amazon UK. Due tomorrow. I’m looking forward to getting stuck-in to it!

[@duprazzfr3369]

Hi Bryan, thank you so much for your tips in your videos, which help me much more than anything else in the web to improve my trumpet playing. Im not a professional, but I know from several professional classical trumpet players in the German speeking central part of Europe, who recommend your videos to each other. You see, you are an inspiration for many many trumpeters , either professional or not. I saw you first in the Gansch'nRoses band in 2008, and wondered who is that guy playing the best and highest solo lines of all of them? Later I saw your videos and had no idea that you were the same person. Now I know...

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thank you for watching. I’m happy to know that I’ve been helpful and that word is spreading. I still had hair in 2008, so it’s understandable that you didn’t recognize me! 😉

[@erezhodara7744]

Hi Bryan, I've watched few of your videos and they are great. Really like your concept and approach. Can you relate to air and compression in very loud dynamic? Especially in the high register. what helps you to play it easily and efficiently?

[@PortmanTone]

I've rewatched this series every few months that I run into technical trouble, and today it's time to come back--though to be honest, today's viewing session started with your popular letter U for upper register haha

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Lol. Well, thanks for coming back, whatever the order.

[@TinyC105]

What does he mean blow my trumpet doesn’t make any sound unless I buzz

[@hapitaearljanm6930]

Try blowing the trumpet and dont buzz

[@basin6119]

Thank you! I really needed this

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Glad to be of service. Thank you for watching. Please tell your friends.

[@mikemaillet5737]

I don't know why, but I was waiting for him to say "Let's get stuck in" xD

[@winnietherpooh4441]

Dear Bryan (a special spelling for Brian!?) How much lung capacity does one need to play the trumpet? I have COPD and a lung capacity of 3 litres, where 7,5 litres is normal for my age (70).

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

I’m not sure that there’s any hard and fast data on how much lung capacity is required. The reading I’ve done on the subject suggests that the average adult lung capacity is 6 litres, and gradually declines as we age, so I’m surprised that 7.5 litres should be considered normal for a 70 year old. However, as I’m not a doctor, it’s entirely possible that I’m misinformed on the subject. There are studies that suggest that playing a wind instrument is beneficial for lung function, particularly in the long term. Have you played the trumpet before, or are you considering starting out now? In any event, unless your doctor advises against it, I should imagine the discipline in breathing developed by playing would help rather than worsen your condition.

[@robertthomas7343]

Mr. Davis , love what you do here ! I know the cat to your right (Black & Tan) from the 80's !! Mercer was leading the Ellington Orchestra and Barry Lee Hall "Honey Bear" was blowin' like Bolden ! What is his name ? I saw him later on Broadway in "After Midnight" . Wynton tapped him for the onstage orchestra !

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Mr Thomas, thank you. You’re referring to the great James Zollar, the original JZ. He’s a wonderful player and a great friend, who’s responsible for my being on the current Ellington Orchestra in the first place.

[@vitomauriziograsso15]

Hello Brian, fai spiegazioni in italiano?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Sorry, I don’t speak much Italian.

[@vitomauriziograsso15]

Volevo un consiglio! Com'è posso aumentare la resistenza per eseguire il primo movimento del concerto in re magg. di M. Haydn? Potresti aiutarmi?

[@vitomauriziograsso15]

M. Haydn concerto in Re magg. N. 2 with piccolo trumpet!! Non riesco a finire il movimento!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Let me listen to it. I’m not super familiar with that piece.

[@RichardFalkner]

This is fantastic. Thanks!

[@arts4691]

Brian, THANK YOU SO MUCH: As a Beginner, Your Chapter A had saved me from giving up the trumpet. I always pressed to much air through the lips. I overblowed. It had been such hard painful work before. Especially the sequence in the Video where you blew a tone that stays almost soundLESS through the Mouthpiece alone - followed by doing the same PLUS Trumpet - instant sound - , showed me that the (common) myth "the Trumpet does not matter(count)" is a myth. I lost many many month before that by practicing "Buzzing" and high energy blowing (loud ) sounds on the mouthpiece alone and then afterwards on the trumpet too. Thank you 1000 times: that small, small just "flowing" flat cool "piece of airstream" between my lips is a pleasure to feel it on the lips ! Now its really some kind of "blowing feel" from soft to loud. The experience how quickly lips are able to start to vibrate, is a moment of enlightening for every beginner who had pressed and worked too hard before...

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

I'm so pleased to have been helpful. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@spork333]

I've been playing for about 7 years now, and I just learned that I'm not supposed to be buzzing my mouthpiece while playing.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Mouthpiece buzzing is a useful thing to practice, to work on embouchure form and to check in on your air, but you don’t need to work that hard with the trumpet attached.

[@spork333]

@@AirflowMusicNYC I've been messing around a bit with the tips in these videos, and that piece of advice alone has helped me tremendously! Thank you.

[@TripleMMM1231]

Hey Bryan, how would I work on endurance? I am a sophomore playing lead in the musical, so I need to work on endurance and power

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Hi Maliq. Endurance is about balance - being strong enough in your Embouchure and not overdoing your air. I have a bunch of different Trumpet A-Z episodes which will help - B for Breathing and K for Kinesthesia would be a good place to start. There are others though - look through the playlist. Particularly for playing musicals, power may be less of a consideration. In my experience, the conductor usually thinks the trumpet(s) is/are too loud! Thanks for watching and best of luck!

[@TripleMMM1231]

Airflow Music Thanks Brian! Btw the conductor likes it when I play loud😁 If you're at all interested, the musical is Billy Elliot.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

You’re lucky then! That’s a good book - have fun!!

[@TripleMMM1231]

Airflow Music I will! Thanks for the advise!

[@AGUSTINMARTINEZ-lz2vc]

Super excelent..very well explained..thanks a lot bryan

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks for checking it out. New videos coming soon!

[@voyarismus]

Any tutorials for absolute beginners?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

+voyarismus Not as yet. Something I’m considering. I don’t teach too many beginners.

[@irvinggrossman8959]

Damn. Smart.

[@alanpenn8927]

As someone who has problems with air (among others), it sounds like an interesting series.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully the next few episodes will be helpful to you!

[@nelsonporter8387]

👍

[@nathanieloxford6288]

Finally got around to your "A video!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks for looking in! I hope you enjoyed it.

[@LoriAnne293]

Canadian! Zed is on. :)

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

It certainly is, eh? 😜

[@erikandreasbonde551]

Hi Bryan. A for air... I do have problems there. Would you mind recomend one or two of your bookes so I can get startet? 👍 Have a nice day Erik

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Hi Erik. Can you be more specific about what’s troubling you? In terms of books, Combination Drills is a great place to start - they’re a great way to cover a lot of bases in your practice. Smooth air will set you free!

[@erikandreasbonde551]

@@AirflowMusicNYC Hi Bryan. My goal is - for now - being able to play pretty relaxed and with the tone I have in my head up to high c. Later on as far as it goes. When I go from middel g and up to g above staff it is all right, BUT after that it is like hitting the wall when running half a marathon... I can go further but only when playing way louder or pressing lips together. I have always been able to blow loudly so moving air is not the issue...use of it is. I will buy the combination drill and go that way. I like a bright sparkling trumpetsound and I do have that one(in my opinion) in the middle register and now it would be nice to bring it to the next level. Sometimes I fell quite as a failure because high c is so easy for everybody else, so thank you for supporting me👍

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Concentrate on breath support - B for Breathing is a good place to start.

[@erikandreasbonde551]

@@AirflowMusicNYC Thank you😊

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

You're very welcome. You can find Combination Drills at: airflowmusic.com/product/combination-drills-vol-1-tpt/

[@jb4469]

Just by watching this video I have fixed most of my problems. Went from a high C# to double F# and G... This is giving a problem with getting loud high notes tho

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

If you want louder notes, add a little more air. “Blowing” small and gently enough to not experience back pressure, while getting your air fast enough for the upper register is a delicate balance. It’s not one that is easy to achieve. I get it sometimes but not always. However, it’s something I’m continually working to improve on. That’s the main point with playing an instrument. There’s no end to the potential improvement. Invest yourself in the process and learn to love that. To that end, #gopractice!

[@jb4469]

Bryan Davis thanks man. I really appreciate the fact that you do your best to help others! I’m gonna #gopractice

[@user_28373]

Wait I’m confused so you don’t buzz your lips when you play the trumpet?? People say so many things I don’t know who to believe. And if you play gently how can you play fast while playing gently the same time?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

You *can* play by buzzing into the horn, but it’s not the most efficient or best sounding way to play. I demonstrate that in the video - when putting the mouthpiece buzz into the horn, it doesn’t sound nearly as good. Did you try the tip for yourself?