One of the most desired assets for a trumpeter is the ability to play in the upper register, also known as the extreme register. Upper-register playing is required in most genres of music, and it is considered one of the most difficult mental and physical challenges of trumpet performance. This paper aims to critically analyze and discuss upper-register playing, thereby serving as a guide enabling trumpet players to more effortlessly master this task. To achieve this, there will be an in-depth analysis of the Baroque approach to the upper register, which will then be compared to the modern approach. The assessment will differentiate among embouchures used, jaw and facial structures (i.e. overbite or under bite, straight teeth, or gaps in teeth), diet, breathing techniques, tongue placement, and equipment or combinations thereof (i.e., different mouthpiece and trumpet combinations). Additionally, a study of past and present professional upper-register masters, as well as myths of upper-register playing, will be presented. This paper is intended to serve as a methodology to upper-register trumpet playing and will offer trumpet performers simple, yet proven, practical methods which can improve proficiency in this critical arena.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Open University. BLDSC no. DX206410. / 2 volumes.

Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 94-98). Discography leaves 92-93. Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2000. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-134). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Thesis (D.M.A.)--University of North Texas, 2003. / Accompanied by 4 recitals, recorded Nov. 1, 1999, Mar. 6, 2000, Nov. 13, 2000, and Mar. 3, 2003. Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-70) and discography (p. 71).

Thesis (M.M.)--University of North Texas, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 25-26).

Suite for three trumpets / Bryan Kelly -- Trio for three Bb trumpets / Leon Stein -- Tandem trio / Edward S. Solomon -- Mini overture / Witold Lutoslawski -- Suite from the Monteregian Hills / Morley Calvert -- Maple leaf rag / Scott Joplin. / text

Intrada / Arthur Honegger -- Third orchestral suite / J. S. Bach -- Piano concerto no.1 in c minor, op.35 / Dmitri Shostakovich. / text

An analysis of the improvisational style of Booker Little. Introduction ; Biographical sketch ; Musical characteristics, sound and rhythmic approach ; Musical characteristics, melodic approach ; Conclusion -- We speak / Booker Little. / text

Lecture: "A pedagogic approach to low-range trumpet performance through selected excerpts of the orchestra repertoire." / text