Proper piccolo trumpet technique

[jdbrooks1952]

I pulled out my recently purchased 4 valve Kanstul piccolo trumpet. Wanted to get some feedback on proper play techniques, as I understand you have to approach the piccolo differently than the trumpet or flugel that I am used to playing.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks, JD
_________________
Microbiome

[chrisf3000]

Most times that I've seen people approach the piccolo "wrong", it's because they try to put way too much air through it. It does not need to be played like a lead player does with a regular Bb trumpet. In fact, the best advice I can give is to use small puffs of air with a crisp articulation - blow "at" the piccolo, not "through" it, if that makes sense.

Also, a good mouthpiece helps - usually a Bach 7E is a good place to start, if you don't have something comparable. A 3C or the like won't cut it necessarily, plus the 7E I believe comes with a 117 piccolo trumpet backbore built in. Just remember, small puffs of air go a long way on the piccolo.

[jdbrooks1952]

Appreciate that great advice. I have a Bach 3E that I have been using. I'll consider looking at the 7E
Thanks much,

JD
_________________
Microbiome

[trpthrld]

For a while, Trent Austin was making and posting a terrific series of videos on how to play the trumpet better. Search You Tube.

One exceptionally excellent one was on piccolo trumpet. In it, he says to "take a 'conversational breath' when playing picc."

Of all the bits of advice I've seen and been given about playing picc, that one right there was the best.

Worth checking out.

But the BEST advice would be to get with a teacher who is not only a solid picc player but also a solid picc teacher (there is a difference). That will do you much more good than any comment on this thread, mine included.

Except for the part about getting with a solid teacher.
_________________
Tim Wendt

www.trumpetherald.com/marketplace.php?task=detail&id=146827&s=The-Best-Trumpet-Lead-Pipe-Swab-EVER--

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPWAJqghk24&feature=youtu.be

[jdbrooks1952]

Just watched one of his mini-lessons. I'm going to enjoy Trent's classes. Subscribed and ready to take on his knowledge.

It will be a challenge to find someone in the St. Louis area that is both a good piccolo player and a good teacher. Especially during Covid.

Thank you
_________________
Microbiome

[trpthrld]

I would think the St. Louis, with the symphony orchestra & such, would be very easy to find a good teacher.

Don't let the virus get in your way. Even tho I am not an advocate of Skype lessons they are better than nothing.
_________________
Tim Wendt

www.trumpetherald.com/marketplace.php?task=detail&id=146827&s=The-Best-Trumpet-Lead-Pipe-Swab-EVER--

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPWAJqghk24&feature=youtu.be

[Lionel]

[deleted_user_02066fd]

Not being a classical player I've only played the picc a few times. I likened it to blowing into a soda bottle. I took a big breath and played something and the sound shut off.
The advice of backing off sounds like the way to go. Have fun with it.

[chrisf3000]

By the way, I just checked the Bach mouthpiece manual. It seems that all 'E' cup mouthpieces come with the 117 backbore built in, so you should be good to go as long as the rim feels right to you. Good luck and let us know your findings!

[Subtropical and Subpar]

[dr_trumpet]

[dr_trumpet]

[cgaiii]

[HaveTrumpetWillTravel]

Some things that helped me:
(1) a forum member sent me a beginner trumpet text that is all low range quarter notes and was helpful
(2) doing at least one lesson with someone who really knows it
(3) a lot of music is written for professionals with a range above C. If you are new to it, I found it helpful to work on fingerings and fourth valve with music that doesn't go up to C. This means learning to play regular music as written rather than just piccolo music which is often written down an octave.
(4) buying some of the main textbooks (Hickman).

I am not great on piccolo by any means, but enjoy it. There's debate about whether it's just a waste of time if you're not really planning to play it regularly. I did find it to be a fun break and to help me work on several major problems I have (intonation, straining, etc.). At the same time I also bought a couple of lead mouthpieces, so it was a help also in learning to play shallower mps.

[JoseLindE4]

Sound concept is key, so listen to the greats, starting with Maurice Andre. Listening to the great baroque/natural trumpet players can provide a nice contrasting sound concept as well.

In my head, I hear my Bb/C as a great male singer like Dietrich Fischer Diskeau; my D/Eb is Barbara Bonney; and my piccolo is Renee Fleming.

Or, the big horns are chest voice and the piccolo is head voice.

If you don’t start with the proper sound concept, the “right technique” won’t produce worthwhile results. Technique and approach matters, but only when paired with concept.

Keep it light and easy. I like to start by producing the most easy and beautiful F above middle C (first valve on the A side, not the 1-4 below it) and work out both ways from there, maintaining the sound and ease. Turn on the Maurice Andre in your head and work on simple scales, arpeggios, and melodies, alternating singing and playing. The Arban/Maire high note exercises have always been my get back in piccolo shape exercises.

Intonation can be a challenge, so practice some with a drone pitch to keep you honest and don’t be afraid to try alternate fingerings. The fourth valve adds some useful options.

It’s ok to step on the gas sometimes, but you need to learn to control the horn with a light touch.

[dr_trumpet]

[dr_trumpet]

[abontrumpet]

[cheiden]

[patdublc]

Many have said something about getting a teacher. That's always key. I've worked with a lot of people new to picc. They almost always fight the horn and want to play it like a big horn. My advice to them is to focus on the resistance and learn to play to it. Trying to muscle a picc around is not going to be optimal. Just get comfortable with the resistance and play things like the aforementioned Clarke Studies. Then work on some of the traditional wedding music. Much of it, especially Clarke, Purcell, and Fischer, is not very difficult and gives you some good music to play.
Personally, I don't find picc to be as difficult as many people say. It's just another horn that you have to make friends with.
I have several piccs that I work with. On P5-4, Spencer long bell, and C5-4, I prefer a regular length trumpet shank. On Blackburn Bb/C, I prefer a shortened trumpet shank. And, on a Shires, I prefer a cornet shank. I'm not even sure why. That's just what seems to be most comfortable for me.
_________________
Pat Shaner
Play Wedge Mouthpieces by Dr. Dave exclusively.
Experiment with LOTS of horn makes and models.