Hickman on Tongue Arch

The topic of tongue arch and tongue position in the very high range came up for me recently, and in looking into resources at hand I again turned to Trumpet Pedagogy, a publication by David Hickman. While in this he presents a wide variety of systems and approaches to every aspect of playing (a strong point of the book), he does when needed step in with his preferred method. He makes his method of tongue arch quite clear:

The present author’s preferred method of tongue arch utilizes “ah-ee” syllables produced by the middle of the tongue until reaching high C. Playing higher requires the front of the tongue to arch as high and as forward as possible while allowing the middle of the tongue to drop slightly. The uppermost notes are produced easiest when the “focal point” of the airstream feels like it is extremely forward—at the upper front teeth and lip. The focal point is the place where a vowel is sounded by the airstream without the use of the vocal chords.

Slurs from the pedal register to as high as possible can be produced when the air compression focal point begins in the back of the throat and gradually moves forward toward the front teeth.

Hickman presents ten figures that show the process. In closing I would also note his two final comments that relate to the tongue in the very highest register:

1. Bring the tip of the tongue up to the lower teeth and push the front area of the tongue up and forward. It is exactly like whistling in the highest possible register.
2. The middle and back of the tongue should be relatively relaxed and lower, allowing the throat to be open.