Randy I don't think you are improving your trumpet playing at all by playing the harmonica or sax. If it is a mental break and you are having fun I can understand that. But if you want to improve your trumpet paying you would probably be better off putting all "instruments" away and listen to some great trumpet players.
More details on the diaphragm relaxing please. I've been trying to get mine stretched out for years now.
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Originally Posted by randallged  I added some "cross-training" to my workout in the form of the tenor sax and harmonica. The tenor uses some different facial muscles that don't seem to bother my trumpet playing. (I can switch between sax and trumpet after my chops are spent and continue to play for awhile.) I'm not a great sax player but sit-in with a blues/funk/rock band and play fills and background stuff... mostly low register. The low register on the tenor requires high air flow and hardly any pressure... a good diaphragm relaxing and stretching excersize. Since the tenor is in Bb there is no mental transposition required... I just taught my fingers to think differently. The harmonica requires quick bursts with the diaphragm as you blow and draw air through the harp. Again, not what is required for trumpet playing but uses the diaphragm in a different way. Also, playing different instruments helps me concentrate on the music and not just playing an instrument. IMHO it's all good
Randy |