The Benefits of Nutriitional Supplementation for Building the Muscles of the Trumpet Embouchure

This treatise will discuss the benefits of nutritional supplementation in building the muscles of the trumpet embouchure. It will include a research study encompassing a five-week supplementation regimen of beta-alanine combined with a control group. Beta-alanine, is a non-essential amino acid that aids in the ionization of hydrogen in the body and facilitates the creation of carnosine, a molecule that performs a crucial function in muscular pH regulation. This experiment aims to show, through a series of musical exercises and physical tests that the nutritional supplement, beta-alanine, aids in increasing the endurance and range of trumpet players when taken daily for five weeks at the dose of 4.5 grams daily (split into three doses of 1.5 grams throughout the day). The overall intent is to express the notion that nutritional supplementation in musicians can aid in the development of muscles used in playing musical instruments and assist in decreasing the vast number of injuries that occur in the music industry, specifically in brass musicians.Along with the research of beta-alanine, this treatise will also discuss current studies with protein, branch chain amino acids (BCAAs), creatine, and other nutritional supplements to improve muscles within the body, as it relates to athletic training and how it can be applicable for musicians. Research already exists relative to beta alanine’s effect on athletic performance, namely endurance; nonetheless, to our knowledge, there is no current data related to musicians and the use of beta-alanine for the growth and development of muscle tissue within the trumpet embouchure, specifically. This paper will present research and information that may benefit all brass musicians in developing the embouchure muscles naturally, effectively, and more efficiently. This treatise will also provide valuable information and data to aid in the hopeful reduction of brass players' injuries.