A device to keep you from putting pressure on your mouthpiece while playing the trumpet?

Question

This past week at band camp, our brass instructor showed us a little device that connects between the mouthpiece and the trumpet. While playing, if you press too hard on it, it triggers a little hole to open and stops the flow of air. He said it costs about 95 dollars but I forgot what he called it. If anyone could tell me the name of it or where to find one, I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer 1

you don't need a device to play the trumpet without pressure. when you practice, pay attention to how much pressure you are putting on the mouthpiece...and make sure you are putting enough pressure on the mouthpiece. playing with too little pressure is just as bad as too much pressure.

if you are set on using this device, however, go to a music store and ask one of the employees.

Answer 2

You don't need to drop 95 bucks on a device like that to play without pressure.  Trumpet players try to use all sorts of gimmicks and waste money on stuff like that all the time - the only thing that works is lots and lots of hard work and practice time, thats it, that is the ONLY solution to EVERY playing problem.  

Try this:  Hold your mouthpiece with your left hand (or your right if your naturally left handed).  Grasp the end of the mouthpiece with your pinky and thumb, now try to buzz.  Difficult isn't it?   Try to buzz scales and chords this way.  

You need to develop nuance in your playing, that's what playing without pressure is all about.  When you practice any exercises, scales, etc. try to do so very softly.  Listen very closely to yourself, you'd be surprised how often we as trumpet players overblow and play too loud, even simple scale exercises - that is what leads to too much pressure.  When you notice this and immediatly back off the volume, playing trumpet becomes a lot easier and much more musical.

So save your money and go buy some great trumpet music instead. Get inspired by listening to music, then pick up your horn and play - you'll be too into the music and will naturally use less pressure.  Its all about being naturally into music, and no mechanical device can really help you.  Hit the practice room every single day, there is no other way, the discipline is very much worth it.