This is my favorite quick-n-dirty warmup I’ve ever done: download the Rob Roy McGregor Trumpet Warmup Routine here.

I concentrate on filling my lungs in the first part, to get that sensation in my head. During the playing, I am practicing singing the sound in my head and blowing through the changing notes; having a clean/easy air flow.

In the second section, I time my breath and feel the connection of the notes while I play, again focusing on singing my part in my head and having a smooth air flow; not jumping up and down with the changing notes. Whether I pretend I’m blowing through a small straw (a trick I got from Robert Karon) or just imagine myself softly blowing one of those paper windmills, I want it to feel easy and smooth.

On section three, I always use a metronome and time my breath for one quarter note. I don’t take a breath before the repeat. Being able to breath through a long phrase without overblowing is very important and this helps me immensely. In general, I’m around quarter note = 83-110, depending on my mood. the lower speeds help me ensure deep smooth breathing and the higher speeds help me to blow through repeated tonguing. Whichever you prefer that day, really. Just kinda’ switch it up.

The last section is as much to train my mind as anything. I find I can player higher than usual here, and it has helped my mentality during gigs. Here, again, I first concentrate on a full, timed, breath. Next, I make sure my breath flows through the changing notes and is not too strong. (One trick is to feel the balance in front of and behind the mouthpiece on the chops.)

During the entire exercise, focus on your body really being in an Alexander Technique-type of position. This basically means not using any muscles you don’t need to use. Your neck should be very relaxed. Your chin should be neutral, without your head looking up or down. Your arms should be in a natural position; perhaps slightly open to allow full rib cage expansion. One way to achieve this is to imagine a rope pulling your body upwards, through your spine and up from the top/back of your head. Be tall and allow your muscles to release.

Another thing to focus on throughout your warmup is the transition from breathing in to breathing out. This should be smooth and fast… no holding your breath.

And lastly, while you are playing, it should feel like you are almost about to make a sit-up. This will hold your guts in place so you have a natural upwards air support from the bottom of your belly to your lungs. Mr. Penzarella would have his students sing their parts at full volume and feel the tension around the middle of their body to ensure proper support (and musicianship, with the singing) before they played their parts. I also got a singing lesson from Oscar Almaguer once that solidified how this should feel. Every day, he lies on his back, holds his feet six inches off the ground, and counts to 30 or sixty while keeping his shoulders relaxed and a smile on his face. He said this is what it should feel like when you sing and it has been immensely helpful for both my singing and trumpet playing.

Anyway – this is a very long-winded way for me to introduce you to this warmup. I hope it is helpful and please feel free to download the sheet music.