The column of air

For several years now, brass technique has undergone an evolution bringing notable improvements, in particular to the sound, to accuracy, and to the ease of interpretation. This result has been due to the adoption of a system of breathing referred to - in the language of the trade - as the « column of air ». Here are its most important characteristics.

The majority of techniques used previously did not recognize the primary importance of air in the formation of the sound. Thus, insufficient respiration - whereby too small a quantity of air, as well as not enough, or poorly directed air pressure, are understood - resulted not only in a contraction of all the muscles but also in exaggerated pressure of the mouthpiece against the lips. The results of such an insufficient respiration were:

1. a poor tone
2. weak endurance
3. difficulties in the high and low registers
4. difficulty in slurring

In order to play the trumpet - or any brass instrument - correctly, it is first indispensable to learn how to breathe. This knowledge should generally precede a study of the instrument.

It is also very useful to realize how the sound of the trumpet originates: the expelled air causes the lips to vibrate, and this vibration creates the sound. If the lips are tight, the air will pass through a very small opening. Since a large quantity of air is necessary to produce the desired sound, this air must be under constant and controlled pressure. The modern way of playing the trumpet requires breathing to be carried out in such a way that sufficient air is produced under pressure, so that the pupil thus avoids unnecessary mouthpiece pressure on the lips.