Pose
Posture
- Imagine there is a string pulling you up, straightening your spine and
correcting the position of your head to be in alignment with your spine.
- Don't slump while playing. Keep the ribcage high at all times.
- Relax your shoulders and unlock your knees.
Left Hand
- An effective holding position balances the trumpet effortlessly in your
hand, allowing the instrument to gently move when changing partials/
registers, while maintaining free access to throw the valve slides.
Gripping the valve casing firmly has no advantage.
Right Hand
- The right hand's primary function is to operate the valves.
- The three valve fingers should be slightly curved and their tips
should be placed on top of the valve buttons.
- Move your valve fingers quickly but don't bang your valves.
- The ring finger is especially stubborn. It needs extra attention.
- Keep the pinky finger on top of the pinky ring, unless you need to free
your left hand.
- Place the thumb under the lead-pipe between the first and second valve.
Arms
- The forearms should form a ninety-degree angle to each other.
- Elbows must be several inches away from the body so that breathing is
not hampered.
