is it normal to play the highist c and then not be able to play the low notes after you do that

You have to be more specific, but I think I get what you mean.

It does happen to me sometimes, but only like for a second.

It is not normal, or humanly possible to play the highest C.

I feel your pain. Whenever I play at the top of my range, I play awfuly airy at the bottom of it, like middle C and down. (Middle being on a piano, I dunno what you call it on a trumpet.)

I think I can relate to what you`re talking about. With me, it has to do with my embochure being off. If my embochure is set right, I can play low and high with very little difference in effort. THis is from my pedal tones up to a e or f above high c. If I set "just for high notes" then I find myself in the situation you`ve mentioned.

Currently, I`m trying to retrain myself for a 40/60 position. In other words, my optimal lip position is toward the bottom of the cup. It`s going to be different from person to person due to physiology.

As a comeback player, I started with maybe two or three embochures for different ranges and styles. I`m finally getting it down to ONE.

I hope this encourages you!

Tim

I found from my trumpeto teacher that when you play high and jam the trumpet on your face, it makes your lips swell so you can`t play very well.

Hi Caitlyn!

It`s certainly not about pressure. After having played that way for a long time, I`m relearning. Actually, playing high notes shouldn`t feel any different than playing low ones. It`s about air movement. The faster the air moves, the higher you can go. Of course, your teacher will tell you this...as well as something you already know is very important...support!

Hang in there!

Tim

Hi Tim!

Oh, hush, Mr. "certainly not." If you`re crushing your mouthpiece on your lips, you can`t play any low stuff afterwards. It`s a fact of trumpeting. Haven`t your lips ever gotten big, red, and puffy from trying to play notes that are out of your range and left you unable to play?

If I`m reading you right, I think you misunderstood what I meant by "certainly not". What I mean is that pressure is not an inducer to range. In fact, it will cripple you. It`s about moving air faster, not increasing pressure on the lips.

I used to use alot of pressure in the high range. I don`t any longer. I`m relearning my embochure. I used to be more of a 50/50 or 60/40 position on the mouthpiece, but now I`m more 40/60 which is to say that the top of my bottom row of front teeth is even with the inside of the MP rim. Now, not everyone does this but many do.

In either case, pressure ultimately won`t do anything for you but hurt your endurance. Playing a low or high note should feel the same. AGain, it`s about moving air.

Tim

Just thought I`d add this link in the event that you are not aware of it. It is run by Pops McLaughlin, who you may or may not have heard of. Very interesting site. There should still be an article there about pressure and air movement...although that`s not necessarily the title.

What I`ve shared with you reflects what I`ve learned from him...and confirmed by other players including a pro player who is a friend of mine. Maybe this will be of help to our friend!

http://www.bbtrumpet.com

Tim

I wish I could edit my earlier message! I found out that he has changed his website and it appears that the articles are no longer there.

HOWEVER, here is a link that WILL take you to some of his articles....located somewhere else.

http://abel.hive.no/trumpet/pops/

Tim

May I add there is no such thing as the highest C. Though most are utterly impossible, there is no limit to how high of a C you can play on the trumpet, just whatever you embochure allows.

Pressure IS a bad thing, where in my message did I say it was good?? It WILL get you a little higher than you can really go, however, and the results are not being able to play well. And air speed isn`t the only thing that you need to play high, sweetheart.

Sheesh.

You didn`t. I was under the impression that you thought I said it was.

Sorry for the confusion.

Tim

to get to the low note just blow threw the trumpet and have the fingering tht always helps me

ALwAYs
Brittany