EMBOUCHURE
The position and use of the lips, tongue, and teeth in playing a wind instrument.
VIDEO OF FORMING EMBOUCHURE & BUZZING
VIDEO OF CORRECT PLAYING
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Embouchure Issues
If the tone you are producing is not satisfactory, use the following words and sounds to analyze and correct:
1. You are producing no tone, rushing air, or an airy tone.
Cause of Problems: Your lips are too far apart, and possibly dry. You are not using enough air to make your lips vibrate. Remedies: Reform the "EM" embouchure, being sure your lips aren't puckering. Review the breathing exercises we went over earlier. Lick your lips and the inside of the mouthpiece, take a deep breath and try again. |
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2. Your tone is tight, thin, and pinched.
Cause of Problems: Your throat is tight and closed. Your lips are too tightly placed together. Remedies: Review breathing exercises and try yawning to relax your throat. Reform the "EM" embouchure, but don't have your lips quite so tightly pursed. |
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3. Your tone is stopped or very restricted.
Cause of Problems: You are probably putting too much pressure on your lips from your mouthpiece. Your throat is very tight and your lips are probably even tighter than in #2. Remedies: Relax your grip on the horn, and do not push the mouthpiece onto your lips. Review breathing exercises and try yawning with your head up. Reform "EM" embouchure, but de-emphasize the pursing of your lips. |
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When in doubt, go to the mirror and check your embouchure buzzing with the mouthpiece only. Here are some common embouchure issues that can be seen and heard with just the mouthpiece. Go through the steps again and use a mirror to check.
CORRECT BUZZ TOO RELAXED
TOO MUCH PUCKER |
TOO ROLLED IN CORNERS NOT FIRM
AIR POCKET FORMING |