Trumpet Physiology

Playing any instrument to a high level requires an understanding of how physically one plays. Whether it is the oscillation of a string caused by the finger plucking a string, or using the mouth in such a way as to cause vibrations. Instrumentalists are aware of the effects of making such physical actions. Many neglect to understand what is actually happening within the body further than this simple understanding. Appreciating on a physical level what one is doing in relation to an instrument can help a player vastly improve technique. One can learn to control and manipulate the muscles involved and gain a "feel" of when one is doing something correctly, and when something is wrong. A mental picture can also be created; if one can picture it in the mind's eye, it is much easier to manipulate the muscles required[1].

The physiology involved with playing a brass instrument is of particular interest as physiology and technique are directly linked. On the most basic level, a note is produced on a brass instrument by air flow from the lungs, through the mouth and through a small gap in the lips to the instrument. To get this process working correctly requires much practice and to master it requires a lifetime.

Always remember that playing a brass instrument is a physical action, after a long period of playing remember to warm down properly, but most importantly to rest.