Attention all trumpet players! You won’t believe what years of playing can do to your face!
From “Trumpet Lips” to “Brass Burn,” these eight shocking changes will make you question your dedication to the instrument!
But don’t worry—we’ve got the inside scoop on how to deal with these quirky side effects and keep your face looking as fresh as your high notes!
How Playing the Trumpet Transforms Your Lips
Playing the trumpet can indeed lead to changes in your lips, particularly in terms of their softness.
As you practice and perform, the repeated pressure and vibration of the mouthpiece against your lips can cause them to become tougher and more resilient. Over time, you may notice that your once-soft lips have transformed, developing calluses and a firmer texture.
While this change might be a bit disconcerting at first, it’s a natural adaptation that allows trumpet players to perform at their best and withstand the demands of the instrument.
However, it’s important to remember that proper technique, regular moisturizing, and good playing habits can help minimize the impact on your lips’ softness. Ultimately, the joy and satisfaction of creating beautiful music with the trumpet often outweigh the minor sacrifice of having slightly tougher lips.
The Trumpet Player's Secret to Sound and Smile Wrinkles
To produce the desired sound on the trumpet, players must adopt a particular mouth formation called the embouchure, which entails the precise arrangement of the lips, facial muscles, and jaw.
Over time, the repetitive nature of forming this embouchure can lead to the development of smile wrinkles around your mouth. These wrinkles are caused by the constant contraction of the facial muscles used while playing the trumpet, similar to how laugh lines form from frequent smiling.
While the appearance of these wrinkles may be a concern for some, they can also be seen as a badge of honor, a testament to the countless hours of practice and dedication you’ve put into mastering your craft.
Plus, the joy and satisfaction that come from playing the trumpet often outshine any cosmetic concerns.
So, even though you may develop wrinkles in your smile from your embouchure, you can take comfort in knowing that your face will always bear the mark of a true musician, and your constant smile will reflect the happiness that playing the trumpet brings to your life.
Embracing the "Chipmunk" Look
Playing the trumpet requires a great deal of air pressure, which can lead to the development of “chipmunk cheeks” over time.
As you train your facial muscles to maintain the proper embouchure and air pressure, your cheeks may become more pronounced and fuller in appearance. Repeated use of these muscles can cause them to hypertrophy or grow in size, similar to how other muscles in the body respond to exercise.
While some may find this change in facial appearance amusing or even endearing, it serves as a visible reminder of the dedication and effort required to master the trumpet.
Trumpets Sculpts a Chiseled Jawline
Trumpet playing can give your jawline a workout, leading to a more defined and stronger appearance. The constant use of your jaw muscles to maintain the proper embouchure and air pressure can cause them to become more developed and toned over time.
This effect is similar to how regular exercise can sculpt and strengthen other muscles in the body. As a result, you may notice that your jawline becomes more prominent and chiseled, giving you a look that suggests you’ve been hitting the gym, even if your workout routine consists solely of playing the trumpet.
The Lopsided Lips of a Trumpet Player
Trumpet playing can result in the formation of a subtle asymmetry in the lip muscles, often referred to as “Trumpet Lip,” where one side of the mouth develops more strength and size compared to the other.
This occurs due to the repeated pressure and muscle contractions required to play the instrument, as the mouthpiece is typically placed off-center on the lips.
Over time, the lip muscles on one side may become slightly overdeveloped compared to the other side, resulting in a subtle asymmetry in the appearance of the lips. While this “Trumpet Lip” may be noticeable to the player or those close to them, it is often a minor aesthetic concern and does not typically affect one’s playing ability.
Wearing Dark Circles as a Badge of Honor
Late-night practice sessions are an everyday reality for many dedicated trumpet players who strive to perfect their craft and develop their skills.
However, these late hours spent honing their abilities can sometimes lead to the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. The lack of sleep and the strain of focusing on intricate musical passages can cause the delicate skin around the eyes to become darker and more hollow-looking.
While these dark circles may be a cosmetic concern for some, they can also be seen as a badge of honor, a testament to the tireless work and commitment that goes into mastering the trumpet.
How Playing the Trumpet Can Lead to a Snore-Free, Zen-Like Life
Trumpet playing demands significant breath management and deep breathing from the diaphragm, which can improve respiratory function and overall health.
As you practice and master the techniques needed to play the instrument, you may find that your breathing becomes more controlled and efficient, even when you’re not playing. This improved breath control can lead to a more peaceful and zen-like state as you become more attuned to your body’s natural rhythms and the flow of air in and out of your lungs.
In some cases, this enhanced breathing technique can even help alleviate snoring, as the muscles in your throat and respiratory system become more toned and less likely to relax and vibrate during sleep.
The Trumpet Player's Embouchure Quirk
As a trumpet player, you may find that your embouchure muscles become so accustomed to controlling the flow of air through your lips that you occasionally experience random bursts of air whistling through your mouth during conversations.
This can happen when you’re talking excitedly or trying to make a point, and suddenly, a small gust of air escapes through your lips, creating a whistling sound. While this may be surprising or even embarrassing at first, it’s a common quirk among trumpet players and a sign that your embouchure is becoming second nature.
Over time, you may learn to control these random bursts of air, or you may embrace them as a unique and humorous side effect of your dedication to the trumpet. Either way, these whistling moments serve as a reminder of the countless hours you’ve spent perfecting your craft and the indelible mark that playing the trumpet has left on your life.
THE TOP 3 TRUMPETS FOR BEGINNERS
PTRUMPET HYTECH TRUMPET
FEATURES: Lightweight construction
OTHER INFO: Brass fittings offer warm sound
- Lightweight and easy to clean
- You’ll need to upgrade to a fully brass trumpet eventually
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
ELKHART 100TR STUDENT TRUMPET
FEATURES: A clear tone and easy response throughout the range
OTHER INFO: Designed by the famous Vincent Bach company
- Quality of sound will take you up to around Grade 4 level
- Manufactured by the Conn-Selmer corporation
- Absence of valve felts
- Slightly weak screws and fittings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
YAMAHA YTR2330 STUDENT TRUMPET
FEATURES: Designed by The Most Famous Manufacturer
OTHER INFO: Premium price range
- Produces a vibrant, consistent tone
- A yellow brass crafted bell made by the world renown Yamaha company
- Possibly too pricey for the average beginning trumpet player valves
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Embracing the Trumpet Face:
A Symphony of Dedication and Quirky Transformations
Playing the trumpet can lead to surprising and sometimes quirky changes in one’s facial appearance and habits, but these transformations are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion one pours into their craft.
From tougher lips and smile wrinkles to chiseled jawlines and improved breathing, each of these changes tells a story of the countless hours spent mastering your instrument.
Rather than viewing these changes as adverse side effects, embrace them as badges of honor that showcase your commitment to creating beautiful music.
Remember, with proper technique, self-care, and a positive attitude, you can minimize any unwanted impact on your appearance while still enjoying the immense satisfaction and joy that comes from playing the trumpet.
So, keep practicing, keep smiling, and let your love for music shine through, no matter what face you wear.
so you’re telling me that playing the trumpet is basically a free pass to skip the gym? cause you get that chiseled jawline? sign me up! though i’m more worried about the snore-free, zen-like part. does it come with a guarantee? or at least a trial period? asking for a friend who’s basically a bear in hibernation mode at night.
Honestly, anything that helps with snoring is worth a shot. Let us know if the trumpet works!
oh sure, because we all pick up musical instruments for their health benefits, right? next, they’ll be saying playing the kazoo will cure baldness.
hey, was reading about the ‘chipmunk’ look you get from playing the trumpet. does that really happen to everyone? kinda worried my cheeks will puff out after i start lessons. Robert Emery, got any tips to avoid looking like a cartoon character?
Don’t stress too much about the chipmunk cheeks. Focus on your techniques, and they won’t be as noticeable. It’s all part of the journey!