- Trumpet volume control is not about simple volume changes through physical tension, but rather about being conscious of imagery such as distance and density
- In the NG example, attempting to change volume through tension causes the tone to become harsh and expressiveness is lost
- In the OK example, dynamics are expressed through imagery, enabling rich expression by controlling the sense of distance and density
- By being conscious of density control, you can effectively vary the volume of the trumpet
In trumpet performance, volume control is a crucial element of expressiveness. However, many players try to change volume through physical tension, which causes the tone to become harsh and expressiveness to be lost. Trumpet volume control is not simply about increasing or decreasing the amount of air, but about being conscious of imagery such as distance and density. In this article, we will explain specific methods for effectively controlling trumpet volume, comparing NG and OK examples.
NG Example: Volume Changes Through Tension
When trying to change the volume of the trumpet, the approach of forcing air through physical tension to increase volume is a typical NG example that hardens the tone and diminishes expressiveness. With this method, excessive pressure is applied to the lips, giving the sound a choked quality and causing the musical flow to be lost. Additionally, even when trying to change only the air speed, the tonal quality deteriorates and the trumpet's natural resonance cannot be achieved. Volume changes through tension may feel like the volume has increased in the short term, but in the long term, they degrade tonal quality and narrow the range of expression.
OK Example: Imagery-Driven Trumpet Dynamics
In trumpet volume control, expressing dynamics through mental imagery is the OK example that achieves rich expression. By being conscious of distance imagery, you can control whether the sound appears close or far away, and by being conscious of density imagery, you can adjust the thickness or thinness of the sound. With this method, while avoiding tension, natural volume changes can be achieved through adjustments in air usage and embouchure. When increasing the trumpet's volume, imagine projecting the sound forward, and when decreasing the volume, imagine pulling the sound back, enabling effective volume control while avoiding tension.
Practice Steps
To master trumpet volume control, it is important to follow step-by-step practice exercises. By expressing dynamics through mental imagery and being conscious of distance and density imagery, you can achieve effective volume control while avoiding tension. By practicing these steps in order, you can gradually master trumpet volume control and achieve expressive performances.
- Distance imagery practice: Express forte by imagining projecting the sound forward, and piano by imagining pulling the sound back. When increasing the trumpet's volume, imagine the sound appearing close, and when decreasing the volume, imagine the sound appearing far away, enabling natural volume changes while avoiding tension.
- Density control practice: Create high-density sounds by concentrating the airflow, and low-density sounds by dispersing the airflow. By increasing the density for forte and decreasing the density for piano, you can effectively vary the trumpet's volume.
- Scale dynamics practice: Play the same scale at various dynamic levels, controlling the volume through mental imagery. By being conscious of distance and density imagery on each note, trumpet volume control will become natural.
- Phrase application practice: Use phrases from actual repertoire to express dynamics through mental imagery. By being conscious of distance and density imagery while avoiding tension, the trumpet's expressiveness will improve significantly.
Trumpet volume control is about expressing dynamics through mental imagery while avoiding tension. By being conscious of distance and density imagery, you can achieve natural volume changes and greatly enhance the trumpet's expressiveness. In particular, by increasing the density for forte and decreasing the density for piano, effective volume control while avoiding tension becomes possible. By continually practicing these steps, you will master trumpet volume control and be able to deliver richly expressive performances.
