Getting Back Into Trumpet: Episode Ten

In the final vlog of the Recover series, Grant Golding presents off-instrument exercises to strengthen the four key aspects of trumpet playing: breathing, embouchure, tongue, and fingers. These exercises are designed to be practiced anywhere, even when you're not near your trumpet.

Breathing and Embouchure Exercises for Trumpet

Breathing exercises are fundamental. Grant recommends checking in with your breathing, ensuring you're taking deep breaths and focusing on the sensation of air moving in and out. He revisits the goldfish exercise, emphasizing the stretching of the ribcage and intercostal muscles. Another simple practice is to blow on a piece of paper, try different speeds, and use tongue movements to control the airflow.

For embouchure, Grant advises against the pencil trick due to potential bruising. Instead, focus on squeezing the corners of the mouth and pointing the chin. This can be practiced during mundane activities, like driving. Additionally, repeating the letter 'P' helps work the inner embouchure muscles, strengthening the lips.

Trumpet Tongue and Finger Exercises

Developing articulation and tongue agility involves practicing the supporting muscles at the back of the tongue. Grant suggests the 'DOYOY' exercise, which activates these muscles. Alternating this with the 'P' exercise can improve tongue strength and flexibility.

Finger exercises are mostly about stretching and independent movement. Air trumpet playing or any activity that gets your fingers moving can be beneficial. The key is to keep them agile and coordinated.


Grant wraps up the series by reiterating the importance of enjoying the process. Progress and improvement in trumpet playing, as in life, aren't always linear. There will be ups and downs, and sometimes progress might seem slow, but sticking to a routine and staying dedicated will lead to significant improvements over time.

One of Grant's key messages is the value of enjoying your instrument. Playing the trumpet should be fun, and it's this enjoyment that fuels progress and recovery. Whether you're practicing formal exercises or just playing for the love of it, the joy of playing is a crucial component of your musical journey.

The Recover series concludes with the reminder that recovery and improvement in trumpet playing are journeys filled with varied experiences and emotions. By incorporating off-instrument exercises into your routine and focusing on the joy of playing, you can enhance your skills, build endurance, and enjoy the rich world of trumpet playing.

• Head to the Recover playlist on YouTube for all ten videos in the series.
• For players returning to trumpet, give the pTrumpet hyTech a try. Our hybrid model delivers a quality brass sound...without the price tag or weight.
• You can find out about the history of brass in Grant's video series, A Brassy History. Check out our Brassy History article for links to the first episode.