Why does the posture of a trumpet player, effect the sound made by the instrument.?

Question

Is this part of technique? If so, does it differ across the various wind instruments out there?

Does it contribute to the player's unique sound eg. Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Blue MItchell all have their own distinctive and recognisable sound, irrespective of what genre they're playing, and they're all trumpet players, so must share some common traits in body posturing, despite their individuality.

Answer 1

Its just like when u sing, u should be breathing from in your diaphram thats why ur poster affects the sound

Answer 2

It doesn't. I've know trumpet players that had perfect posture that would have made miss manners jealous sound like crap. I've also know trumpet players that played slumped in a chair to the point the looked like they might slide out and some sounded absolutely brilliant.

The real key in how a trumpet player sounds is the chops and his/her ability to push air. Because band directors were all taught by the same book they all think everyone should play the same way... the reality is you adapt your body to what works for you. Bad and I mean down right horrible technique is all anyone could use to describe Dizzy Gillespie's way of playing... and yet he's was a hell of a lot better than a lot of other trumpet players that look like the poster boy for perfect posture and technique.

Answer 3

Posture is only important in sofar as it might affect the way a trumpet play/singer etc breathes. Although it has to be said that while these players might have had a distinctive sound it might not be due to that. You can have piano players with different styles but their posture will have almost nothing to do with it.
Thankfully we are species with a rich and varied character and that's what is injected into the way we express ourselves whether through poetry, prose, painting or music. The style reflects the personality more than their posture.

Answer 4

well, technically I'm a bass player, but I know a little.
Your posture affects blood flow, including the blood flow to the face. The better circulation, the better your lips get oxodized, the more stamina you have. Doesn't make a difference if you're playing for 5 mins, but if you're in an orchestra for a two hour concert, it can help.
everything you've heard about breathing is true. Breathing from your diaphram (technically your abs; your diaphram is involuntary), and being able to flex your stomach muscles, gives you more than just longer phrasing, it gives you a heck of a lot more volume. using pulse breaths by physically flexing your abs and forcing the air out gives you the abillity to accent notes very effectively. If someone's slumped over, shoulders slouched, playing to their feet, i can't possibly imagine a good sound coming out., from lack of support.

Answer 5

All wind instruments cause a column(or volume) of air to oscillate at a certain pitch.

But if you think about it , your body is connected to the instrument, so you should think of the total volume being the volume of the instrument plus the volume of the player's throat wind pipe and lungs.
Obviously if the player is slouched the lungs are cramped into a tighter space and therefore will affect the overall sound.

Some players will have voluminous lungs, and will sound different to someone who say, only has small lungs or one lung... if that's possible!

HTH

Answer 6

It affects because the breath of the trumpet player is getting shorter if the player slouches. The breath is being obstructed if you are slouching. If you observe the correct posture, you will produce good trumpet sounds because you have an unobstructed air going out.

Answer 7

Trumpet player here...

I only notice a difference if I *really* slump, and then it's only because it is harder to force the air out of my upper body.

I don't notice much, if any difference between standing, sitting up very straight, or slightly slumping in my chair.

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