Quote:
Originally Posted by TrumpetScreamer  How can you tell if you are using to much pressure when playing the trumpet, specifically in the upper register? Because I have been told that everyone has to use some amount of pressure, the key is to not use to much. I have heard that after your done playing and you look in the mirror if the ring on your lip is red then you used the right amount, but if it is white then you used to much. Is this true? Is their a proven method to determine if you are using to much?
Thanks!  |
I think this is a loaded question.
In any case, my measure of too much pressure is when your range just stops after a particular note. For instance, a player that is strong to F above high C, but can't even squeeze the G or Ab out. That means that the pressure is keeping the lips from vibrating.
IF you are doing everything right, your range doesn't stop, it just starts getting thinner and thinner until it doesn't sound like a trumpet note anymore.
The mirror is useless as is the color of your lips.
If we play seriously, we will use exessive pressure from time to time - as the exception, not the rule!