Tongue; Teeth & Jaw
Manipulating the Size of the Oral Cavity
- Trumpet players arch the tongue as a wind compressing tool by
manipulating the size of the oral cavity in order to produce changes in
register.
- Two basic concepts co-exist:
1) The "traditional method"
- Low and middle register: The arching occurs in the middle of the tongue
and is generated by moving up and down; the tongue shape is broad and
relatively relaxed.
- Upper register: The tongue transforms to a narrower and more
compressed shape through lateral movement and pushes forward toward
the front teeth.
2) The "whistling method"
- The arching occurs in the back of the tongue and is generated by
lateral movement only.
- The tongue transforms from a broad and relatively relaxed shape in the
low register to a narrower and more compressed shape upon ascension.
- This method works in conjunction with a more open aperture than the
"traditional method," thus allowing the development of a bigger range and a
more open sound. Think "Ahhh" instead of "Eeee." See also: Section 5.
- Consider the "whistling method" a long-term goal. As a beginner you'll
most likely use the "traditional method"; at a later stage of development
you might want to employ the "whistling method" for the above mentioned
reasons.
Articulation
- Again, there are two basic concepts:
1) The "tip-tonguing method"
- This strategy advocates articulating with the tongue tip behind the top
teeth before moving to the required tongue arch position, while the tongue
tip rests behind the bottom teeth.
- Advantage: Clean attacks.
- Disadvantage: Range limitations.
2) The "dorsal-tonguing method"
- This approach combines oral cavity manipulation and articulation into one
single movement by using the front back (dorsum) of the tongue for the
articulation part.
- Advantage: Helpful in the upper register.
- Disadvantage: Not rewarding in the early stages of development.
- Consider the "dorsal-tonguing method" in all registers a long-term goal.
As a beginner you'll most likely use the "tip-tonguing method"; later you
might employ different articulation strategies in different registers: With the
tip of the tongue in the low and middle register and with the front back of
the tongue in the upper register. As a mature player you then may be able
to effectively articulate with the front back of your tongue in all registers
and benefit from the advantages of using "dorsal-tonguing" exclusively.
Recommended Articulation Syllables
- "T" for hard attacks.
- "D" for soft attacks.
- "D" and "G" for multiple tonguing.
General Tonguing Advice
- Changing the size of the oral cavity requires a lot of strength in the back
portion of the tongue. However, it is essential to maintain a relaxed tongue
tip/front back at all times to articulate effortlessly.
