Why Your Throat Closes When You Play Trumpet (And How to Fix It)

Have you ever felt like your throat locks up when you play trumpet? Like you're trying to blow but the air just won’t move? That could be the Valsalva maneuver kicking in - and you're not alone. In this video, I share some thoughts on the Valsalva effect, a great article from Frank Campos in the International Trumpet Guild Journal, and a simple breathing exercise that’s been a game-changer for me. You’ll learn: What the Valsalva maneuver is and how it affects trumpet playing Why “just relax your throat” doesn’t actually work A simple panting exercise (seriously!) that helps retrain your body for free, open airflow How to engage your body’s natural bellows without unwanted tension Even if you don’t think you struggle with this, the breathing warm-up alone is worth trying. It’s great for unlocking efficient airflow and improving your tone and ease of playing. 💨 Want to read the article I reference? https://trumpetguild.org/journal/cate... Let me know in the comments if you’ve dealt with this or have other airflow strategies to share!