Trumpet: Body Resistance

   Body resistance occurs naturally in brass instrument players.  And it establishes itself in the abdomen.
   Trumpet players can be near phobic when it comes to the diaphragm.  Some of the worries I have heard expressed: Does my diaphragm have sufficient tension?  Should I sense or concentrate on protrusion?  Should I contract the abdomen to add more force to air being expelled from my lungs?  What about breathing exercises to further develop my diaphragm?  Does circular breathing help strengthen my diaphragm?  Will practicing Yoga help my diaphragm?  How will I know when my diaphragm is developed?  How many hours a day do I have to play a trumpet to keep my diaphragm strong?  Will diaphragmatic breathing aid my range?  My tone?  My overall skill as a trumpeter?
   And on it goes.
   The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs and it contracts on inhale and relaxes to push against the bottom of the lungs on exhaling (vertical movement is five to six inches for unrestricted breathing).
   Trumpet playing is a form of slow breathing due to resistance offered by the mouthpiece, the vibrating lips and the instrument itself.  Therefore airflow from the lungs does not occur at a natural rate.  In fact, the player determines the rate (force) of expulsion when confronting range, dynamics and length of passage (known more affectionately as breath control).
   Body resistance presents no problem(s) unless the player knowingly or unknowingly alters it.  Stiffening the instrument arm, hand or shoulder subtracts from natural resistance in the abdomen.  Thus resistance is no longer natural.  It becomes forced.  And players who use excessive mouthpiece pressure fall into this category.
   Diaphragm development for trumpet players takes care of itself when the player exhibits proper breath control.  This means taking a full breath each time and keep adding air to the air supply to prevent being short of air in long (or high register) passages.  Dynamics must be included too.  Since the louder one plays, the more air is needed to retain the volume (sound).
   As stated, body resistance occurs naturally.  Therefore the player should concentrate on keeping the upper half of the body as relaxed as feasible.  Even the embouchure should maintain a relaxed firmness.
   When the player relaxes, not only does the sound get bigger (more open) but less effort is required to play.