Comparison of biomechanical forces generated during trumpet performance in contrasting settings

The primary aim of this study was to investigate how mouthpiece forces may vary as a function of the setting in which the musicians are asked to perform. Ten college-level trumpet players were assessed while playing the same pieces of music in a jazz big band rehearsal and a controlled laboratory/clinical setting. Trumpet force was measured using a custom Trumpet Sensor System that measures mouthpiece forces and angular position. Overall, the results from this study indicate that mouthpiece forces generated in the research laboratory were similar to those in the rehearsal venue. The data indicate no significant differences between the two conditions that warrant concern for collecting performance data in an experimental setting.