OMEA Trumpet Video #1

Summary

In this instructional video, Alison Denemy guides beginners on starting their trumpet journey. She emphasizes the importance of proper case handling and instrument placement. The video covers posture, suggesting sitting on the edge of a chair with feet planted and back straight for optimal sound production. Alison then instructs on lip positioning for sound, starting with buzzing without the mouthpiece and progressing to incorporating it. She advises experimenting with different mouth pressures and articulations for a clear sound. The tutorial concludes with a teaser for the next video, which will cover holding the trumpet and advanced sound techniques.

Takeaways

• 🎼 **Proper Case Handling**: Always place the trumpet case on a flat surface right side up, with the label on top and the handle on the bottom half.
• 📍 **Instrument Placement**: Ensure the trumpet is stored in the case in the exact same position each time for easy retrieval.
• 🗄️ **Case Contents Organization**: Keep the mouthpiece, valve oil, and cleaning cloth in their designated places within the case.
• 💺 **Sitting Posture**: Use a solid chair, sit on the front edge, plant feet on the ground, and maintain a straight back for optimal trumpet playing posture.
• 🤚 **Hand Positioning**: Position elbows comfortably away from knees to facilitate a good trumpet sound.
• 👄 **Lip Preparation**: Form lips in an 'm' position and practice buzzing without the mouthpiece to prepare for sound production.
• 🎷 **Mouthpiece Placement**: Place the mouthpiece on the lips using the 'm' position, ensuring a good seal and centered alignment.
• 💨 **Breathing Technique**: Breathe through the corners of the mouth and push air through closed lips while playing.
• 🎵 **Sound Articulation**: Practice articulating sounds using 'tah', 'taw', 'toe', or 'do', choosing the most comfortable sound.
• 🔄 **Regular Practice**: Consistently practice with just the mouthpiece, even when playing the trumpet for extended periods, to maintain technique.

Q & A

How should you position the trumpet case before opening it?

Before opening the trumpet case, ensure it is on a flat surface with the label on top and the case handle on the bottom half.

What is the correct way to store the trumpet in its case?

The trumpet should be placed back in the case in the exact same position as it was removed.

Where are the mouthpiece and valve oil typically stored in the trumpet case?

The mouthpiece is stored in a designated hole, and the valve oil is kept in a long area within the case.

What is the recommended posture for playing the trumpet?

Sit on the front edge of a solid chair with feet planted on the ground, sit as if standing, and keep elbows in a comfortable position away from knees with a straight back.

How can you practice producing sound without the trumpet?

Practice buzzing by pushing air through closed lips in an 'm' position without the mouthpiece.

What is the 'm' position for the lips when playing the trumpet?

The 'm' position involves placing the lips together as if to pronounce the letter 'm'.

How should the mouthpiece be positioned on the lips?

The mouthpiece should be placed fairly centered on the lips, with a good seal against them.

What technique can you use to create different sounds with the mouthpiece?

Try tightening and loosening the corners of your mouth to make siren sounds.

What sounds should you practice articulating with the mouthpiece?

Practice articulating sounds like 'tah', 'toe', 'da', or 'do', choosing the one that feels most comfortable.

Why is it important to maintain good posture even when just using the mouthpiece?

Maintaining good posture helps in developing proper muscle memory and breath control, which are essential for playing the trumpet.

What is the significance of practicing with just the mouthpiece?

Practicing with just the mouthpiece helps in developing embouchure and lip control, which are crucial for producing a good trumpet sound.