Methods for range development

[slee]

The top of my range seems to have been stuck at high C for years, so I'm trying a couple of range development methods. The first one is the "Casual Double-High C" method by Bob Odneal. Odneal exercises begin with easy scales that successively top out higher and higher. You are supposed to use minimal pressure and stop when you have to use force.

The other range development technique I'm trying is the Stevens-Costello Embouchure Technique by Roy Stevens. I've been working on what he calls the "palm exercise", whereby you put the trumpet into your palm (to prevent using arm pressure I think) and begin on any note above middle C and glissando to to any higher note. You do this 10-15 minutes, rest 5 minutes, then repeat.

I've been working these two methods regularly for about a month now. With the Stevens technique, I can "squeal" up to high C and often higher, but there is no volume behind it. Stevens says that at first these sounds are more or less like wind whistling through a crack -- and that's a good description. With the Odneal method, I can sometimes scale up to high D, or very rarely a high E.

Does anyone have experience with these methods and can speak to their effectiveness and how long you have to stay at them to actually notice a difference in your range, for example, playing charts in a big band?

[Robert P]

I believe the most important factor are the specifics of the mechanics of what you're doing. If you've been playing a while and you're stuck at a high C, there's an issue with the mechanics - just doing endless exercises in of themselves won't help with range - it's not so much about building strength it's finding the key to adjusting your mechanics. You may or may not unconsciously make necessary adjustments that lead to increased range as the result of doing exercises.

How much/little meat you have in the mp, the way the mp seats on the lips, how you seat it on the lips, specific engagement of the muscles, distribution of pressure, horn angle, opening of teeth & oral cavity, use of the tongue, using enough air. The mp also makes a difference.

IMO horn on hand low pressure exercises are more of a stunt than a useful method. Some can pull it off due to the shape of their lips but no one plays like that, the examples I've heard produce a lousy sound that I would never want to emulate.
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[timothyquinlan]

I feel like the best range methods are the ones that work progressively to move you up the staff with some good ideas and tips about how to proceed. Some that I like are:

Eby Scientific Method for Trumpet

Knevitt Developing 21st Century Range and Endurance

Deutsch The Extended Trumpet Range

Peters Total Range

Schaeffer The Stratosphere of Cornet Playing
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[kehaulani]

What worked best for me was Maggio.
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[timothyquinlan]

How could I forget Maggio! Such a great book as well. He had chop trouble from an accident and dug his way out of it and created a whole new way to think about playing. I love that.
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[Trumpetbjorn]

I got a lot out of Jay Zorn's "Exploring The Trumpet's Upper Register" (Kendor) and Rolf Quinque's "ASA" Method (BIM)

[RussellDDixon]

The Maggio System For Brass as a true Range Method Book. Nowadays, I practice range after my legit practice using a particular set of exercises.
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[Trombacan]

Check out David Hickman's new range book.
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[JaredMoore]

[samdelong]

I personallythink this is the best way to get high range, with sound, that I've seen many players including myself do. Get a shallow mouthpiece, and build your range on that. After you are satisfied with your range on that, go a bit deeper, and deeper, until you're back where you started. Increasing range on a smaller mouthpiece will help you develop proper habits, and it'll be alot more fun so you'll want to practice more. If you work on having a big open sound, as you get slightly bigger and bigger, your range will drop a small bit, but those good habits you developed will make it easier to get back to where you were.

[RussellDDixon]

Thanks to Augie Hass .... we have a lot of information compiled here:

http://www.trumpetplayersdirectory.com/trumpetrange.html ... I am striving to add as I have the time and can find the motivation.
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Nicholson Monette Prana Resonance LT mouthpiece
Kanstul Claude Gordon Personal mouthpiece

[cheiden]

If you're a player that been on a range plateau for years, I have limited faith that a method book will greatly improve things. I'm going to guess that getting with the right teacher has a better chance of a breakthrough.
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[samdelong]

You should try watching big band lead players or people like maynard at the end of gigs, or when they're really tired. You'll start to see some techniques more exaggerated that help them play, and you can implement them into your playing