Treatment of the Face for Trumpet Player

For trumpet players, and most wind instrumentalists, there is a lot of activity in the face muscles and scalp while playing and practicing. Though we spend many hours trying to make our playing feel natural, playing any instrument is not a natural activity compared to laughing, crying, or even screaming.

From being in an unnatural position, it is inevitable that we develop discomfort in the body. Some people recover quickly after long periods of practice, but some people do not. They need help with the recovery process.

In an effort to improve recovery, control, and stamina, many people try to make stronger muscles. But this is the biggest mistake. The right approach is to make stronger muscles that we have better control over.

The first thing to learn is how to control the sphincters of the face, which are the eyes and mouth.

The second is the scalp. We know that using the muscles of the lips is important for wind musicians. But the lips are connected to the eyes, and the eyes are connected to the scalp. To keep the muscles of the head in harmony is the best way to support the embouchure.

The third area to address is the jaw. First we must learn to the move the jaw actively. This includes moving the jaw left to right, forwards and backwards, and up and down. After this we can progress to moving the jaw passively by holding it in our hands and moving it freely as if it were floating in space. The jaw should hang freely without fighting gravity.

After moving the jaw actively and passively, the third skill to learn is manual maneuvering and self-tuning. This includes self-mobilization, message, and the application of acupressure points.

When the musician has learned these skills he will have the tools to maintain his body and help it repair after demanding playing sessions.