Trumpet Fitness

Introduction

Brass playing, and trumpet playing in particular, is unique among musical instruments in the physical demands it places on the player. The methods we use to perfect our skills on the trumpet are very similar to the training methods of the professional athlete, in that we are training muscles for coordination, flexibility, endurance, efficiency, and strength.

Consistent performance requires a reasonable level of general physical fitness, both aerobic (cardiovascular) and anaerobic (strength). Therefore, any activity that tends to increase our general fitness level will have significant positive effects on our trumpet fitness and performance.

Aerobic Fitness

Aerobic fitness allows us to sustain longer phrases and to work harder without feeling dizzy or running out of oxygen. Aerobic activities include rowing, running, bicycling, tennis, swimming, calisthenics, soccer, martial arts, basketball, and many others.

Strength

Strength training not only strengthens the muscles being specifically trained, but also the muscles of the heart, which need to be strong in order to pump blood through contracted (“flexed”) muscles. Maynard Ferguson used to say that he would lose several notes from his range if he neglected to lift weights.

"Dangerous" Activities

In fact, the only vigorous activities in which to exercise caution are those, such as basketball and martial arts, which entail a high risk of damage to our lips and fingers. I practiced Tae Kwon Do for several years, until I was kicked in the mouth during a sparring match with a black belt on the day of a dress rehearsal. Needless to say, the conductor was not pleased, and the performance suffered.

Trumpet-specific Muscles

Obviously, there are certain muscles and muscle groups that are particularly important for us to develop. These are the primary trumpet playing muscles… the lip and facial muscles, the fingers, the tongue, and the muscles of the torso which deliver and control breathing.

Breathing — wind volume, power, and control — in particular, is supremely important for any wind instrument. Exercises that train your wind are guaranteed to improve your playing.

Exercises to Improve your Wind Power

Any exercise which strengthens the muscles of the torso, especially the lower abdomen, lower back, and sides, will aid in the production of the high levels of constant, controlled energy which must be imparted to the airstream while playing the trumpet. The idea is not necessarily to blow hard, but to have absolute control. Below are a few exercises to build this base of strength and endurance that we call “breath support”.

Counting out loud — with a relaxed voice — while doing these exercises, teaches you to keep your throat open and relaxed despite the tension in your body. For planks, leg lifts, and supermen, use a stopwatch (e.g. on your smartphone) or a metronome set at 60 beats per minute, and count the seconds out loud. For push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups, count each repetition out loud, keeping your throat relaxed during the motion.

Planks

Lie on your stomach (face-down) and raise yourself to your elbows and toes, keeping your stomach and back flat. Do not arch your back either up or down. Hold for as long as you can, counting the seconds out loud. Repeat.

Side Planks

Lie on your left side. Raise your body to your left elbow, keeping your body in a straight line to the side of your foot. Hold for as long as you can, counting the seconds out loud. Repeat. Do the same thing on your right side.

Sit-ups

Leg Lifts

Lie on your back. Clasp your hands behind your head and, supporting the abdominal muscles, raise your legs to an angle of approximately 20 degrees. Stay in this position for a moment (at first), then longer, counting the seconds out loud, according to your fitness. This will strengthen your lower abdomen and hip flexors.

Supermen

Lie on your stomach. Arch your back, balancing on your mid-section and raising your heels and your outstretched arms in front of you. Sustain the position for several seconds, counting the seconds out loud, then repeat, according to your fitness. This strengthens your back, which is also important in generating wind power and supporting your diaphragm.

Push-ups

Push-ups are basically planks that also activate your chest (pectoral), shoulder (deltoid), and arm (tricep) muscles. They not only develop your strength, but also your aerobic endurance.

Pull-ups

Pull-ups are great for developing the muscles of your sides and back (latissimus dorsi, obliques, serratus, trapezius, etc.), and abdominals, which help you generate power while playing.