| The simple answer is yes.
I like to use an analogy that David Hickman uses (I must admit that I've adopted it as my own with apologies to Prof. Hickman).
In order to play a note on a trumpet you have to use 4 tools:
1. Air pressure (Power if you like)
2. Embouchure (Pucker)
3. Mouthpiece pressure (Pressure)
4. Tongue level (Placement)
The 4 Ps. Different players will use each of these tools in different proportions to achieve a given note at a given volume, their own balance if you like. What's happening is that in order for you to play above that A you have to compensate for poor development of the other 3 Ps in order to play what's required of you.
It's not just a matter of developing your chops (pucker) but the others as well. I personally use Caruso's 'Musical Calesthenics for Brass' for a variety of reasons not least being that it forces you into synchronising the 4Ps without having to be analytical but there are many other valid ways of building the whole system.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Trevor |