David thank you so much for your message. Powerful stuff. You are an inspiration to us all and I have pinned this message to the top of my comments in hope that others will read it and take inspiration and motivation from it also. Good luck to you. Best wishes, TP

Pat, sorry not to get back before and thank you for your comment. My objective when talking about playing high is really to set the bar higher. Yes I truly believe it is possible for any player to develop a range at least to G above high C but the more important reasons for these exercises and techniques is what they bring to the usable register of the trumpet. I'm in agreement with you when you mention obnoxious screaming. My purpose and use for these high notes is different and I hope this video goes some way in explaining that. The players I love to listen to are rarely playing high. They are playing with such musicality and feel and have such an individual character to their sound and phrasing. Chris Botti is a great example of a player who has made it through sound and style. Your comments have inspired me to use this topic and stress the importance of the usable register. I'll do a video on it soon. Thank you. TP

Jay thank you for your kind words. My style and musical approach comes from a tradition I am so lucky to have grown up with and been influenced by. I also feel privileged to have worked and sat next to Maurice Murphy, Derek Watkins, James Watson and more recently Philip Cobb as well as many other influential players. May the tradition live on for many years to come.

Thank you Charlotte. Enjoy learning this wonderful instrument and take your time. You will be surprised how easy it is when you find the right way for you. TP

At 70 I still have the flugelhorn (Getzen Eterna) that miraculously appeared in my home town music store window when I was 17. The flugelhorn was still a bit unique then. Guys like Art Farmer and Clark Terry got me on a quest to get one. The music store owner didn't take me very serious when I walked in and said I wanted to buy the horn in his window. Then I showed him the cash in my hand;-)

Thank you Darrell. I think the biggest problem players suffer from is impatience! Take your time and enjoy the journey. Get the right help from the right people and if something isn't working after you've spent a good amount of time on it look for another way. TP

Sorry to hear about your struggles. I will say that range isn't always a factor in playing. On the other hand, I always work on lower register playing which has helped in my upper register. Beautiful music is made in the register of a low f# to only a g above the staff. Push on and you can always find a way. Paul's Information has helped me in many ways and strengthen some of the techniques I use. Like he has said, there are so many things out there. Trust me, I have tried many things in the 35 years of playing and have struggled at times. Please don't quit trying or get discouraged Alan. I know you can do it.

Hi Alan. In my experience as a teacher and player there is always a way though most of the time the "way" is unconventional. I agree not all dreams come true but if you don't really believe then they almost certainly won't. Achieving is looking at things a different way; experimenting with new ideas; knowing more; understanding what it is you are really trying to achieve and taking from other disciplines. From what you have said it looks to me like you have a very conventional approach. You speak of muscle memory which also suggests muscle strength. My approach is to rely less on muscles and more on positioning other parts of your engine so you balance things a different way. I hope you find a way but take your time. TP

Hey Alan, hang in there. The horn was an albatross around my neck most of my life. Now I just enjoy what I can do with it. Obviously, one has to have priorities in facing responsibilities but the horn can be worked in enough to give you consistent chops and musical fun.

I'll certainly add it to the list! TP

It's not but I might try to publish it soon. TP