The Art of Playing Trumpet in the Upper Register: A Guide to Help Enhance Upper Register Trumpet Playing

One of the most desired assets for a trumpeter is the ability to play in the upper register. Upper-register playing is considered one of the most difficult mental and physical challenges of trumpet performance. This book aims to critically analyze and discuss upper-register playing, thereby serving as a guide enabling trumpet players to more effortlessly master this task. To achieve this, there is a comprehensive analysis of the Baroque approach to the upper register, which is then compared to the modern approach. The assessment will differentiate among embouchures used, jaw and facial structures (i.e. overbite or under bite, straight teeth, or gaps in teeth), diet, breathing techniques, tongue placement, and equipment or combinations thereof (i.e., different mouthpiece and trumpet combinations). Additionally, a study of past and present professional upper register masters, as well as myths of upper-register playing, is presented. This book is intended to serve as a methodology to upper-register trumpet playing and will offer trumpet performers simple, yet proven, practical methods which can improve proficiency in this critical arena.

Augie Haas received his Doctorate from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Haas balances his career as an academic scholar with a rigorous playing and touring schedule. He continues to work on publishing new works as well as continue playing with the likes of Maria Schneider, Broadway, and tour with the release of his latest CD ENDless.