The Benefits and Risks of Pedal Tones for Trumpet Players
Pedal tones are a type of exercise used by trumpet players to improve their playing and overall musicianship. These exercises are played in the lower register of the trumpet and involve sustained notes played with a relaxed embouchure.
While pedal tones can be a useful tool for improving tone, range, and endurance, it is important to use them in moderation and to seek the guidance of a teacher if you are experiencing any negative effects.
Let's cover some of the benefits of practicing pedal tones.
One of the main benefits of pedal tones is that they can help to promote relaxation and reinforce the concept that the body produces the notes, not the instrument.
When played correctly, pedal tones can help trumpet players to develop a more relaxed, focused sound, and can also help to increase their control over their breath and embouchure.
By playing pedal tones regularly, trumpet players can improve their overall tone production and flexibility, leading to a more expressive and musical performance.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, pedal tones can also help to reduce swelling and stiffness in the lips after a demanding performance. This is possible due to an increased flow of blood to the lips.
The Negative Effects of Pedal Tones
It is important to note that overuse of pedal tones can have negative effects. How do these negative effects manifest?
Usually in the form of a saggy, dead tone, poor intonation, and loss of range or flexibility. But all of the negative effects listed here will also happen with poor wind support, regardless of if you're attempting to play pedal tones.
These negative results do not need to be your reality. To avoid them, it just takes a little focus and intentionality.
Should you give up on pedal tones?
If you are able to play pedal tones successfully, I believe that you will unlock your full ability to play trumpet.
How is this possible? It’s possible because you would have learned to maintain a calm and relaxed state in your body while you play.
At the same time, if you choose not to practice them, it won't break you either.
Personally, I was not able to play pedal tones until recent years and I'm still working on perfecting them. The journey has been totally worth it, so far.
There are some trumpet players that have given up on practicing pedal tones because there is usually a huge shift in the jaw while playing them. These trumpet players are overly concerned about being perfectly still and not shifting the jaw while playing.
While I understand where they are coming from, in my opinion, this is a mistake.
Why ?
Consider this . . .
Every living thing on earth has motion and things that do not bend end up breaking easily. I'm aware that this is not an absolute truth but when it comes to trumpet playing, we can over analyze things at times. I've certainly been guilty of that myself.
All I'm getting at is, a little movement is natural.
Since pedal tones can change mouthpiece placement and jaw position, they should be immediately followed by a scale that covers most of the range of the instrument.
This helps to refocus the embouchure and teaches the body to maintain the relaxation of the pedal register when moving into the upper register, resulting in increased range and endurance.
When is the best time to play pedal tones?
Usually, it is best to play pedal tones as a warm-down at the end of a practice day or performance.
However, it is important to remember that pedal tones are just one tool in a trumpet player's practice routine, and should not be relied on too heavily.
A well-rounded practice routine should include a variety of exercises and techniques to improve tone, range, and endurance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pedal tones can be a useful addition to any trumpet player's practice routine. When used in moderation and as part of a well-rounded practice routine, pedal tones can help to improve tone, range, and endurance, and can also be used as a warm-down following a performance. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential negative effects of overuse and to seek the guidance of a teacher if necessary. By incorporating pedal tones into your practice routine in a balanced and mindful way, you can improve your playing and achieve your musical goals freely.
