Technique Thursday: Throat Tension

Today's technique Thursday's topic is throat tension. Throat tension is something that afflicts many trumpet players. It can cause medical issues and limit our ability to play for extended periods in the upper register and have the optimal trumpet sound. Any activation of the vocal cords while performing the trumpet is an extraneous tension not needed. If you are uncertain if you are doing this, put in a practice mute and video record yourself. Not only will the additional back pressure of the mute encourage this bad habit, but it will also allow you to hear it clearer and audibly. I also want to clarify that a trumpet player can play in practice mute without activating their vocal cords. I have just found that when a person has the bad habit of doing this, a practice mute exacerbates this issue. Improper breathing is a common issue that leads to throat tension. Our upper chest area and throat should remain relaxed when playing always. Shift any contraction or compression of the air to your lower abdominal cavity so that you are not encouraging excess upper body tension. Pulling the belly button back towards the spine does not help contract or compress the lower abdominal area. It is a in and up motion. It physically feels like you are standing up straighter when doing this.