Playing lead trumpet is a goal for many trumpet players. The famous lead jazz trumpet players such as Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, for example, demonstrate an obvious intuition into musical improvisation. Besides this creative aspect of lead trumpet, there is a technical side that must be mastered. Playing in the higher registers is often considered one of the more difficult trumpet techniques, but with regular practice and attention to correct embouchure, it is an attainable goal.

Exercises

Practice is essential to increasing your range on the trumpet. Daily practice will condition both your lips and your instrument, making it easier to reach high notes that require an adjusted embouchure. Before you start playing, make sure your abs and shoulders are relaxed. Then do a few mouth warmups. An excellent exercise for high note practice is the pencil grip. Hold a pencil tightly between the lips for 3 to 4 minutes per day. This exercise strengthens the muscles that will help you increase your range.

Pressure

Hitting high notes does not require a lot of air. In fact, the less air, the better. What is essential, however, is the pressure at which the air is released, and playing in the high registers requires a very high amount of pressure. You can increase the pressure of your high notes by keeping the tongue in the 'ee' position while you play. This position creates a tight jaw and tight lips, allowing only a small amount of air to pass through at a high amount of pressure. Additionally, it creates an arched tongue, which allows the air to come out at a faster rate. Be especially attentive to the lips and cheeks. Cheeks should never be puffed out, and the lips should be as tight as possible. Depending on the shape of your lips, you may want to try different positions, such as pulling the bottom lip slightly over the top lip.

Mouthpiece Choice

Professional trumpet player and UCLA trumpet professor Jens Lindemann suggests that many trumpet students use mouthpieces that are too large, which may result in unneeded difficulty in the higher trumpet ranges. Since higher notes require a smaller amount of air, this would be quite problematic. Consider trying a smaller mouthpiece to help you hit higher notes.

Source:

Trumpet Studio: Playing High Notes

BB Trumpet: Improve Useful Range

Artist House Music: Choosing a Trumpet Mouthpiece

More Information:

Trumpet Technique; Frank Gabriel Campos; 2005.