2021 ITG Virtual Session on Trumpet Gear and Aging - Trent Austin Mini-Lesson

[Links & timestamps in description] As we age we go through physical changes, and that can impact our equipment choices over time. What felt good in your 20s might not be what you need in your 50s, 60s, 70s, or later! Here are some quick tips to help you stay on top of your game as a life-long trumpeter:

2:18 One size does NOT fit all. Your mouthpiece has to feel good to you. A new mouthpiece should immediately feel better and sound better.

7:29 Bigger is not always better. As we age, our lung capacity decreases. That means you might need to change equipment for a different resistance profile. Where do you want to feel the resistance in the horn?

12:57 "What's the bore size?" Bore size is just a number. Bending between partials is a good way to check how much energy it will take to a play a certain trumpet. Also sustained loud playing, like the Schilke Power Exercises. Also some repeated single tonguing. Where does it feel like the air wants to go in the instrument?

Bonus tip: don't change too many variables at once. A good first step is finding a mouthpiece you like, starting with a comfortable rim and a cup and backbore that give you the sound and resistance you prefer.

23:35 Lips and Aging. As we age our lips will typically shrink a bit, our muscle tone will change, and we might have changes in dental structure as well. That means you might need a different mouthpiece! There are also some lifestyle changes that might help slow the changes. It also might be worth having a mold made of your teeth.

30:27 Keep it clean! Gunk and grime will make your instrument play worse. Redrot will decrease the resonance (and will eventually lead to holes that require a patch or replacement part). IMO the BlowDry Brass is the best maintenance product on the market today. I use this every day. I have one in every case. Check it out here: https://www.austincustombrass.biz/blo...

34:51 Additional tools to consider. I have tinnitus in my left ear. It's important to play (and practice) with ear plugs to protect your hearing. Hearing loss can also lead to overblowing. You can also use a sound reflector to hear yourself a little better in large/loud environments.

If you have any additional questions about gear, send us an email at [email protected] and we can help you out or even set up a zoom/phone consultation.

Thanks to the ITG Non-Pro-Player committee for inviting me to present this session!

Austin Custom Brass is one of the world's premier brass pro shops. We routinely have hundreds of instruments in stock. If you are looking for something in particular, please let us know via email at [email protected] or call 781-944-6247 or 816-410-0826 today!

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