Play Smarter, Not Harder: How External Focus Unlocks Better Trombone Playing
2/5/25
Brass players spend a lot of time thinking about how to play—how to breathe, how to set the embouchure, how to move the slide. But what if I told you that focusing too much on these internal mechanics could actually be hurting your playing?
There’s a better way: external focus.
This approach is backed by research in motor learning, particularly by Gabriele Wulf, whose studies show that where we direct our attention when learning a skill has a massive impact on efficiency, accuracy, and long-term retention. By shifting our focus away from controlling our body and toward the desired result, we allow our natural coordination to take over—leading to faster progress, better consistency, and less physical tension.
Internal vs. External Focus: What’s the Difference?
Internal Focus = Directing attention to body movements (e.g., "tighten your corners," "engage your diaphragm," "keep your shoulders down").
External Focus = Directing attention to the desired outcome (e.g., "let the air flow through the bell," "hear the resonance," "move the slide smoothly between the notes").
Studies have shown that an external focus consistently leads to better performance in musicians, athletes, and other skill-based activities. Wulf’s research demonstrates that when we focus externally, we engage automatic, subconscious motor processes, allowing movements to become more fluid and efficient.
Why Does the Brain Work Better This Way?
Our brains are wired for goal-oriented learning. Instead of micromanaging individual muscle movements, we learn best by responding to real-world effects—the sound of the instrument, the resonance of the air, the direction of the phrase.
Here’s why:
Reduces Overthinking & Tension
When we focus on what we want to happen, we allow our body to organize itself naturally.
Focusing on individual mechanics (like tightening muscles or adjusting embouchure) often creates unnecessary tension.
Trying to control every aspect of playing manually can slow us down and make movements less fluid.
Engages the Subconscious Mind
The subconscious brain is much better at coordinating complex motor tasks than the conscious mind.
When we focus externally, the brain processes movement holistically, leading to smoother, more efficient playing.
Leads to Faster Learning & Long-Term Retention
Wulf’s studies show that skills learned with an external focus are retained longer and executed more consistently.
This is because the brain forms stronger automatic connections, allowing us to perform without needing to consciously think about every step.
Mimics How We Learn Natural Skills
Think about how you learned to walk or talk. No one instructed you on exactly how to contract each muscle in your legs or shape every syllable with your tongue.
Instead, you observed the effect (walking forward, forming words) and your body adapted.
The same principle applies to playing trombone—when we focus on the result, our brain finds the most efficient way to achieve it.
Applying External Focus to Brass Playing
1. Airflow: Let the Air Move
❌ Internal Focus: "Engage your diaphragm and fill your lungs completely before playing."
✅ External Focus: "Feel the air move effortlessly through the instrument and out the bell."
Why it works: Instead of micromanaging the act of breathing, you’re allowing the body to take in air naturally in response to the playing demand. This reduces tension and ensures a free, efficient airstream.
2. Embouchure: Form Follows Function
❌ Internal Focus: "Tighten the corners, keep the chin flat, and make a firm embouchure."
✅ External Focus: "Sing the note in your head, then let the air and instrument produce that sound."
Why it works: Instead of forcing the embouchure into position, this approach lets the airflow and resonance shape the embouchure naturally, leading to a more relaxed and efficient setup.
3. Slide Technique: Smooth and Precise
❌ Internal Focus: "Move the slide quickly but keep your fingers loose."
✅ External Focus: "Connect the notes with no additional sound between them."
Why it works: The brain is better at coordinating fluid movements when we think about the effect (smooth connection) rather than the mechanics (slide speed).
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Shifting your focus from internal mechanics to external goals takes some adjustment, but the benefits are undeniable. By thinking about what you want to happen, rather than how exactly to make it happen, your brain and body will work together naturally—leading to better tone, smoother technique, and faster learning.
So next time you pick up your trombone, don’t overthink it. Instead, listen for the sound, feel the air move, and let your playing follow.
Happy practicing!