Increasing Range  

Many trumpet players are very concerned (perhaps overly concerned) with increasing their range. What follows is my take on this subject. First of all, range is _not_ the "be all, end all" of trumpet playing. Don't get me wrong, I love a great Maynard or Bill Chase solo as much as the next guy, but there is alot more to playing the trumpet then just how high you can play. In my experience I've found that the more I "obsess" on range, the worse it gets. There are several possible explanations for this, some are: - Neglecting other important items such as breathing, coordination and technique definitely has an effect on range. - By "obsessing" or over focusing, we are too critical of ourselves while we are playing (for more info on this, I recommend you get the book "The Inner Game of Music" by Barry Green and Timothey Galway). IMO, it is not advisable to increase range at the expense of everything else. As a matter of fact, for many people it is not feasible. I look at range as a benefit to overall correct practice. I try to keep from thinking in terms of high range, low range, etc. A high note is played the same way a low note is played, only with some changes in embouchure and air. One is not harder then the other. The exercises I use are exercises that I believe work for me. You may find that they also work for you. Or, you may find that they definitely do not work for you. Just read them, try them, and if they don't work, don't use 'em! :) One of the exercises I do is one that helps to teach you how to play the upper register with control. Those of you who always get the feeling that you are "blowing your lips open" or that you can't get your aperture focused may find this exercise to be very beneficial. Basically, it's an exercise that I got from Bob Odneal. It is basically an expanding scale exercise that you play very, very quietly, like a whisper. However, you must play it with a clear, focused sound.