Trumpet High Notes: Test & Build Your Air Power

How strong are your blowing muscles? This exercise will test them and help you develop the strength you need to play higher and louder!
Trumpet High Notes: 3 Essential Tips
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Trumpet Freestyle Demo
• Paul Mayes Demonstrate...

[@heringba]

Hello Paul! I’m a 60 year-old retired jazz/band director who just recently finally got my teeth straightened (had a lower tooth that tended to cut my lip with any amount of extended playing) AND just switched to a new mouthpiece and a new trumpet...whew! Lots of changes but I feel I’m on a great track. Now, with YOUR help added in, I’m finding it even easier to work above a high C and with less fatigue. Your air pressure-with relaxed top lip is REALLY working for me. Thank you SO much!

[@chasesanborn]

Just want to say how much I enjoy your videos--I've watched them all. Your explanations are clear and your demonstrations back them up. I appreciate the investment in time and energy it takes to make these and encourage you to keep 'em coming!

[@Limrenmuh]

Thank you for teach the sigh part and play relax I got it Thank you from Singapore

[@martinchartier6204]

As you teach on your videos, I pay close attention and practice as we go. I sometimes laugh at myself when you point out things I may be doing wrong ... as if you are sitting right in front of me watching. Thank you. I will honor you by doing my best to becoming better. In doing so, I hope to bring joy to others.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Thank you Martin. Bringing joy to others and touching hearts and souls is the ultimate achievement. I am about to resume with my channel after challenging times and your comments are a timely reminder why it is so important for me to do so. Thank you. TP

[@emmanuelthompson3358]

God bless you 🎺🇩🇪

[@tedrhoads366]

Love this. VERY helpful !!

[@angelotti2058]

awesome! love the videos keep them coming!

[@estesjw]

Some interesting ideas here, Paul. Thank you. I've done some similar things with straws, air impulse (pressure) and the idea of set-release without any specific pitch goal. I sometimes have students produce a "squeak"from lips and air alone, then without stopping set the trumpet and mouthpiece in place. Invariably they produce a higher pitch than their normal top note.

[@lissieonYT]

Thank you so much for this!

[@BeachtobergWebadmin]

Thanks so much Prof , for these excellent vidoes

[@tobycoles7552]

Another fantastic video Paul!! I’ve just blown £200 in one go...... That’s the last time I go to Stringfellows after 2 shows... Seriously though... very helpful and informative .

[@Herehear49]

My efforts to develop a high range over the last 50 years never bore fruit. But instead of killing myself (yes, it was an extreme consideration) or giving up playing , I have used the solid 2 and a half octaves I have to play as best as I can. Believe it or not;-), the trumpet and flugelhorn have absolutely beautiful tones in their low ranges. Maynard Ferguson is still a hero from my youth but now I understand why good players like Chet Baker and Bobby Hackett never exhibited range beyond high C.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

I replied to your comment on another video earlier but I was watching an early video of Maynard last night moving from Euphonium? to Trombone to Trumpet and sounding amazing on all of them.

[@seanpronay4803]

5:29 “ They mostly come attached, but sometimes, annoyingly, they don’t.“ I blame high brass players.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Brilliant! Yes, I guess I'm slightly to blame for that!! TP

[@johnelam2375]

The trumpet prof no 1 video

[@NZMcJim]

Fantastic to find your videos. Very useful and informative. I used to play soprano cornet in the Championship Section before moving to New Zealand and taking a 12 year break from playing. I've been trying to "Get my lip back" although really it's about regaining the ability to generate serious air pressure. All was going will until I had a run in with a 5 foot stingray in December and got a barb through the ribs. The toxin in the sting has caused a lot of internal scarring to the muscles that drive the lungs. I'm going to invest in a straw and some loose change and sort myself out. Will let you know how I get on. Cheers. Keep the videos coming.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Jamie, please do keep me posted on that. Hope it helps you strengthen. So glad you mention the air pressure being so important. Hopefully other players will take it onboard. My son will also be fascinated and a bit concerned when I tell him about the stingray; he's obsessed. All best. TP

[@hamletlacy1]

Great video. Been back to playing almost two month after 35 years. Today hit that sweet spot. I think I figured it out. Created a strong high C then moved up to double high G. As you said,‘I am no longer scared of high notes. Instead the particular buzz feels good.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Brilliant! It might not work every time to begin with but if it only happens once it means you can do it. From there it's about developing consistency. TP

[@daimong4553]

interesting!!!

[@crymodder]

Your videos a very helpful and what i like the most about them is that you can explain all of these things in fun and simple manner. Thank you for sharing such priceless material. I think it would be a great idea if you make a video about playing in a relaxed and resonant way. Many of players (including myself) are always have to pre-set some kind of an "embouchure", which sometimes is too tense and not unresponsive. It happens by rolling the lips, tensing the corners and so on. I'm not saying that these movements are wrong to do (or to happen by themselves), but it looks like that you and many of other professional players can pretty much avoid it. For me it seems impossible to set the mouthpiece on a relaxed lips and play beautifully, it just doesn't work that way. Situation is changed for better after a year of devoted pedal tone practice, but i'm still not "there" yet. I don't know if there is a method to solve this kind problem, so i'd be very happy to hear your opinion on that.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hi. Your thoughts are interesting and are very important in giving this channel a direction which is guided by the players it is intended for; so thank you for taking the time. It is not so important to set the mouthpiece on relaxed lips (although this is ok if possible). It is more important that the lips are relaxed after the mouthpiece has been placed. Very important rule for me is: Try to let the mouthpiece hold the lips in place as much as possible. Q. When you play your pedal tones are you trying to play them in tune? Are you forcing the pitch in a particular direction? Let the pedal tone go where it wants to naturally. On most instruments the fundamental (pedal) is quite naturally out of tune so let it be! This way you'll start to relax more and allow the instrument to "take over". I'll do a video on this topic soon. TP

[@roywaite5150]

@@TheTrumpetProf That is very interesting about the pedal note being out of tune. You are right, it is much easier to playing the note in its actual position.

[@JimboJohnsy]

Something I've been experimenting with is spit balls (small pieces of sponge) inside the mouthpiece and shooting them out using air pressure. The further in the mp, the greater the air compression required. Always keep a mp brush at hand incase they get stuck

[@JimboJohnsy]

Another version is to stand in a long hall and see how far you can get it. Alternatively, a dart board with your least favourite French horn player..

[@ruariwilson9696]

Hi TP Struggled to move two 2p coins two days ago - today 3x2p coins. The difference today is that I learned to allow my shoulders to raise with the sigh. Wow I'm pleased.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

That's what I love to hear. I think the record is held by an ex student of mine who began with 4 and several months later moved 10! That's one more than me!! (. . .and he didn't even pass out)

[@tomchui2957]

I really love your analytical teaching method!!! I have a question on "relaxing the top lip". As you mentioned in the video, the lip will have some movements to prevent from collapse when air pressure goes up. Can you elaborate more on the part that we can hold our embouchure firm while still keeping the lip relaxed? Isn't the lip needed to be tight so as to prevent from collapse?

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hi Tom this is an area where different things will work for different players depending on the way they play. You will eventually work it out for yourself and override the activity in the top lip. Remember, the lower lip can do what it wants. It's the top lip that you should try to keep relaxed. It might mean a slight change in lip position etc but experiment. The sigh is essential in keeping the top lip relaxed. Always try to "push" your air from your chest because blowing from the lips isn't going to help! I'll do a separate video on TLR soon because it seems to be a hot topic! TP

[@thetunedinacademycalendar6760]

I’m a trumpet player of 30 years, I’ve been teaching for 20. I’m loving your videos, as well as some other great trumpet player educators I have been watching recently. What I don’t understand is, why does it all the sudden seem like the trumpet is being taught differently? I mean, I had some great teachers, and I have never heard most of these concepts!

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Many thanks. Several reasons I think. The Web and apps like KZbin have a lot to do with it. We can all share what we know and evolve things much faster these days. Good advice will always rise to the top online. Technology also helps. Instruments and mouthpieces are built so scientifically these days, it is a natural process for pedagogy to follow. I learned a lot from the concepts of Dave Monette and this motivated me to understand more about the interplay between music and physics. I agree we've seen the biggest changes over the last 20 years but still lot's to learn and discover! Best, TP

[@francismaziers1550]

Hi Paul, i could move 7 pieces of 50 centimes euro. Is it a good start? All the best!

[@AliasgarVirdiwala5253]

I can't hit the Triple c so is it my pressure problem that I'm not achieving my highest pressure while playing? Would you advice me regarding that?

[@elitecrimson4713]

Make vids on you playing please

[@IIrandhandleII]

Reached 100 coins, i can play like Miles Davids now.

[@barrycollins6151]

Great information! My question is how many repetitions and sets to do when moving the coins with a 3 mm straw?

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hi Barry. I would advise only one set of three rep's with the most coins you can blow. Every few days add the extra coin and if it moves continue with them. But no more than 3 reps each day or every other day . TP

[@skrame01]

I've noticed that how high I can play has nothing to do with how much air I am pushing. As a matter of fact if I push too much air the embouchure collapses immediately. I can only play up to about an A just above the staff in a 1C mp. Am I doing everything wrong?

[@ujwelsolomon8156]

Hi sir....how to fix my mouthpice on lips.....i am pressuring too much but not comming result....and lips getting tired...and my trumpet sound r flat....not sharp....what can i do sir.....because i am playing 24 years....

[@raulorellana2322]

What is your opinion on mouthpiece pressure against the face? And how to lessen it if someone uses to much mouthpiece pressure? Thank you! Really enjoying the videos!

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hi. Mouthpiece pressure is only damaging if the top lip is too tense, which in most cases it is. Mouthpiece pressure can be a very effective way to move around the registers of the instrument but only if you are set up in a certain way and other components are working together. I have mentioned in other replies that it is one of the main techniques I use. It's certainly the most efficient. TP

[@garethbond1]

Opposing thumb technique for holding instrument against your lips, it transformed my playing.

[@michaelisaacs8262]

Great lessons and guidance. Do you give private lessons? And where are you based. Regards Mike.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Thanks. Yes I do offer lessons. Email me: prof@the trumpetprof.com

[@selpingos]

Hey Paul thanks for the Sigh breath lesson . Worked well for me. Could I ask? When you're playing a piece you sometimes need to take the trumpet off your lips. Most of the time when I get it back it's not in position for the note. Any advice on that?

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hi. I guess the obvious answer is give yourself more time to prepare but I don't think I'm entirely sure what you mean. Try again? TP

[@selpingos]

@@TheTrumpetProf Thanks Paul. what I meant is that during a song when you take the trumpet off the lips for a breath or just a rest and then come back on the next phrase sometimes in my case its not aligned to my lips where I can play a clear note

[@wrzlbrnth4092]

I am a 73 year old beginner who took up fluegelhorn after retirement never having been able to read/write or play any instrument before. I have a trumpet teacher whose teaching is that pitch change can be attained by shape alone with an open throat with no constriction in the body, neck or throat. This works for me in the low register up to C in the staff but does not work for me above that. Using air pressure I can get to the G above the staff sometimes. You indicate that sigh with air pressure is very important. are these two approaches reconcilable? Thanks I like your series very much and have learned new approaches.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hello Hans. When you say "shape alone" do you mean tongue shape or lip shape or both? I think the two approaches are compatible. The sigh is the "way" you blow. It's not so much the sensation it gives by itself (a sigh has no resistance and we want resistance or constriction). The sigh will help you to play with no constriction in the neck/throat which is important but constriction (I like your term!) is what I refer to as resistance and we need to create it somewhere. My most recent video How To Develop the Three Essential Tips touches on this by using a simple technique to set the tongue higher. When you sigh from slow to fast you should feel air pressure build naturally. You shouldn't need to physically "press" the air to create it. Air pressure is an indirect result of sighing faster. Experiment with that! Good luck and keep in touch. TP

[@wrzlbrnth4092]

@@TheTrumpetProf Thanks for your reply. My teacher means lip and tongue only with no exertion from the body. He is talking about passive release with no abdominal tension. As said I can get to C in the upper staff and occasionally to the D but no higher with this. IT seems to me that in order to achieve this the strength in the lips must be very high. I did review your latest video and that is how I can get to the G above the staff. I also have been working on on your "weight training" and I find that with an increase in air pressure I am doing better.

[@odarrien]

Thank you for this. Will try this out starting tomorrow. When applying the trumpet to this, kicking the air, does that include tongue level considerations or just blowing in the same general manner as when moving the coins?

[@TheTrumpetProf]

The thin straw is important because it creates greater resistance. When you play, try to increase your general level of resistance by using a smaller aperture or higher tongue. The kick is more effective with greater resistance. You'll find this when trying to "kick" lower notes, so practice the technique (keeping your resistance higher) in your lower/mid range and then transfer it higher. This exercise will benefit your playing in so many ways so do it regularly. TP

[@odarrien]

@@TheTrumpetProf thank you so much for responding, clarifying and giving more guidance. You are awesome.

[@theblazinggamer8347]

Jim resse?

[@lwaller1601]

Where should I be aiming the straw?.. at the top, middle or bottom of the pile? Do they need to just move or fall over?

[@TheTrumpetProf]

I've been advising my followers to listen to every word. Most of the answers to the questions I get are actually in the video already! Aim at the lowest coin Only need to move TP

[@pebblebeach8517]

Coach should we anchor our top lip against the rim only allowing the bottom lip to vibrate ? I

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Apologies for the late response. Ideally you want the top lip to vibrate. If the mouthpiece is anchored against it it probably will anyway as long as it is relaxed. I try to use the mouthpiece to hold the lips in place as much as possible. Remember, mouthpiece pressure is only damaging if the lip/lips are contracted. Is that what you mean? TP

[@MrJcasilva]

I am watching your videos and trying to apply on French Horn; Am I in right way?

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Yes these techniques can be applied to the French Horn. TP

[@pareidolic6599]

I'm having an issue with sweating and shaking once I start getting higher is this just from not being used to the register or am I doing something I should stop developing before it becomes a problem

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Sounds like you're using way too much effort and your throat is possibly closing off. Make sure you are sighing. Use only air to start your notes at first and relax! TP

[@pareidolic6599]

@@TheTrumpetProf thank you I'll continue to work on it I'll be principal player this year so I've got too continue

[@mgoksoy]

How much compression is necessary and how much compression is too much to play the high notes? I am a beginner and when I practice to play high notes, I start sweating after 15 minutes or so and I have to activate the air conditioner.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Start with less and add more. TP

[@lenzotrumpet]

I understand and also appreciate you and others on You Tube giving advice on trumpet.But not having heard anyone play..... and I mean absolutely no offense to you.Will what you are teaching work for all of us ? Thank you for your help and I must say your videos are quite interesting.Anthony

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hi Anthony, no offense taken!! Everything on my channel will work for you. Later on, not everything will work for you, but I will tell you exactly what will or won't. How do I know that? Many reasons. But of the help I've offered you so far the unique size and shape of your physical components (lips, tongue, teeth, jaw etc) is not a determining factor in potential success. TP

[@soulfire2588]

How many times would you recommend doing this exercise per day?

[@anthonyp.3909]

soulfire2588 Hey, I don’t think he will respond to this, but I would say keep it consistent. 3-5 times a week is my suggestion.

[@vidiupload4174]

He did mention in a response to Barry Collins no more than 3 times per day or even every other day.

[@anthonycarbonaro7890]

What type of mouthpiece are you using in your demonstration?

[@TheTrumpetProf]

It's a Monette B4S S2 82 Prana

[@jeremyrhoads6899]

Please help. I've been playing for 23 years. I went to college for music ed/trumpet and currently play trumpet in a military band. I've been taught trumpet by some pretty fantastic players who taught me some wonderful things. One thing thats truly never stuck was any upper register whatsoever. Currently the highest I KNOW I can get is a Bb above the staff. I've never cared to be a screamer but thats very discouraging. I've just found your videos and I'm really enjoying following along with your teachings. My register hasn't gotten any better but there are some things I can do. When I sigh into the horn and slowly pull the mouthpiece out the pitch is higher on the mp. When I try doing the rip up through the range starting at low C, I'll get to a G above the staff before I hit a wall. When I try applying the resistance at the end of the straw technique to the horn the only thing that changes with faster air is the volume BUT when I do a fast air push the next higher note does come out. Thats confusing to me why it works one way and not the other. I really do feel like this is something that can be fixed but for 23 years I have not had the best luck. Not due to lack of trying. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them. I love playing trumpet but getting something wrong for this many years has been quite frustrating. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you very for putting your time into these videos.

[@TheTrumpetProf]

Hi Jeremy. Thanks for the message, I really think it summarizes the experience the majority of trumpet players have. In fact it's something I could have written myself 30 years ago. There are solutions to every problem but they will differ from player to player. Not massively but there are certainly player "types" so being more specific on this channel is something I have so far avoided. All the information you see on all of my videos will work for everyone. BUT, the information will not give you high notes yet. It will only prepare you to play high or give you the potential to play high and I have been very clear and honest about that. I've been going through a difficult time for the past year which is why I haven't put much out but I'm coming out of that now and will start working on videos again soon. In fact there will be a lot more access to the trumpet prof so stay tuned. Your best solution is to get a consultation with me online. if it's something you are interested in doing email me: [e-mail]

[@ralflindenberg7196]

Hallo! Untertitel in Deutsch wären klasse!

[@enzolescure5833]

The milkshake straw industry is pissed

[@TheTrumpetProf]

🤣🤣

[@darryljones9208]

Paul, the full pressure that is in the otal space is not bearing on the coins because of the loss of pressure through the straw. A better design would be to have an air pressure gauge to measure air pressure in the mouth and blow through the straw and watch the total pressure on the gauge. .Also, resistance does not influence the pressure, it influences the flow. Greater resistance does not increase pressure, it only reduces the air flow. In other words: it is not the resistance, or the air pressure that is determining the pitch. It is the embouchure state.

[@greenboy3665]

Darryl Jones surely increased resistance does imply greater sir pressure. It seems to me that Paul is talking about resistance in a way that I analogous to electrical circuits. That it, a working definition is could that resistance is given by the air pressure (voltage) divide by the air flow rate (current). It should be fairly straight forward to see that increasing the resistance when maintaining a constant air flow rate would result in an increase in pressure. Remember pressure is the force per unit area exerted by the compressed air on walls of the body containing it. It looks like your operating on some fuzzy logic. A kindly, Trumpet Playing, Third Year Physics Student