5 Tips To Improve Airflow

Author: Vinnie Cutro, Guest Contributor

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For most musicians there is a natural progression when it comes to practicing and throughout history, musicians have experimented with traditional, modern and hybrid techniques to create their own unique sound. While the best practice method is solely up to the individual, this post addresses one of the biggest factors with any style…airflow.

We asked jazz trumpet artist, composer and educator, Vinnie Cutro to share his thoughts with us and ways in which airflow can improve your musical performance. He provided us with several links below, which feature videos that focus on posture, air intake, breathing technique, breathing exercises and compression of air for the upper register.

DR. BRIAN SHOOK ON BASIC BREATHING TECHNIQUE WHILE PLAYING TRUMPET
- Correct trumpet posture, air intake and mouthpiece placement. YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/tO6Yd1JVkWI

THE THREE COMPRESSIONS BY CHARLIE PORTER
- Three ways to compress air that will improve your upper register. YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/22k_eacohto

ROGER INGRAM ON BREATHING AND COMPRESSION
- Breathing and air compression techniques that will improve your performance. YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/LmWE3BoSoGM

BOBBY SHEW ON WEDGE BREATHING
- Breathing Technique to improve your upper register with less effort. YouTube Video: https://m.facebook.com/louisdowdeswellmusic/posts/892602614240585

BREATHING EXERCISES FOR BRASS PLAYERS
- Breathing Exercises for Brass Players compiled by Deanna Swoboda. YouTube Video: https://www.dansr.com/wick/resources/breathing-exercises-for-brass-players

By setting aside time during your daily practice routine for airflow exercises, you’ll improve the driving force behind your trumpet sound and thus the power responsible for making your instrument vibrate and produce those beautiful tonal qualities.

About The Author

During the past 40 years VInnie Cutro has performed with noted jazz greats such as Horace Silver, Buddy Rich and Lionel Hampton. He has traveled extensively throughout the world appearing at jazz festivals and concerts in Europe, Japan, Africa, Canada, South America and the U.S.A. As a member of the Lionel Hampton Quintet, he performed guest appearances with various symphonic orchestras in the USA such as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Omaha Symphony. As a freelance musician, he has performed with artists such as: Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Blood Sweat And Tears, The Mel Lewis Orchestra, Mel Torme, Jimmy McGriff, The Machito Orchestra, Renaissance, Xavier Cugot Orchestra,The Temptations and The Four Tops.

www.vinniecutro.com