Trying to play to high and I pulled a muscle in my throat. I'm not exactly sure how that works, but improper breath support was definitely a factor. This pain persisted for about two weeks. It quit hurting after a week, but I still couldn't play because I would get a jab of pain. Also, I did something along the lines or tearing my lip. Again, not sure how this works. I didn't literally tear my lip, but I think I caused some tissue damage from a variety of factors, and for over a week I couldn't play, every note wouldn't sound clearly, it was like my lip was divided into two separate vibrating parts instead of one central aperture. The result: all I could play for a week were wookie calls. I think they call this a loss of the 'sweet spot'. Your sweet spot is right where you sound best, sometimes center of lips, for others it's off-center. Well anyways, apparently you can lose it.
By the way, just as few extra words:
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Originally Posted by Karl Wallace, Wynton Marsalis Official Form
PS. To all the young high note seeking players out there. If you use bad form for long enough, you WILL hurt yourself. It’s just a matter of time. I know, I did it. My lip popped during a 3 hr gig, 2-3 shows a day for 8 days. Small mouthpiece, bad mechanics and pop. There goes 25 years of investment and fun. I now just hang on to lower parts, still looking for the sweet spot, which is gone.
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Originally Posted by ROCKY JAMES, Wynton Marsalis Forum
Freddie Hubbard once developed a sore on his lip as a result of playing a high note cutting contest with Jon Faddis ( not a very bright idea) without warming up. Then, he continued playing on it until it became infected. He required surgery, and his facility on the trumpet was greatly impaired.
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Also, as a side note, if you are experiencing cold weather, be sure to begin every session with a very careful warm up. Cold weather causes muscles to contract, so you need to warm up using flexibilities exercises, such a lip slurs. Start softly, lower end. Then warm up the tongue, slowly and easily. After that you can do whatever you want - practice pieces, concentrate of something specific, like extending the range upward, ect. But warm ups are important, especially in cold weather, which causes muscles to stiffen.