I would like to thank all of you who have sent in comments about the first post on Tone Quality. It is comforting to know that I am not the only one interested in this important subject. Now I will continue with Part #2.
In the previous post I discussed the difference in sound as well as the visualization of too loose, too tight and the more focused embouchure. Please note that I have intentionally omitted the issue of air in this discussion. When the issue of good tone is brought up, there is always someone wanting to shout “GOOD AIR SUPPORT”. Air and more specifically air support is important but in most cases, in my opinion, it is usually brought up when a person can’t think of any other plausible reason for problems in the trumpet world. I’m surprised that Global Warming has not been attributed to bad breathing practices. Now down from the pulpit and back to the issue.
Three different embouchures were illustrated in our previous post and one was by far the best for good tone quality. I again will refer to good tone quality as a “focused sound”.
Fact #1
An ideal embouchure starts with firm corners and a relaxed area between the corners.
This statement has been around since the beginning of trumpet time. Every one of my trumpet teachers (at least the good ones) repeatedly voiced this doctrine to me often in my lessons with them. When the great trumpet players are asked about forming an embouchure, invariably they will say, “It’s all in the corners”.
So why do most of us forget this rule and continue to perform on a less than adequate embouchure? The answer is simple, we do not think about it as much as we should.
An embouchure formed with firm corners begins with the proper position and for that, I suggest that you say the word…dimmmmmmm, holding the m out and placing your thumb and middle finger on the corners of your mouth. The word dim works well for this demonstration. If you form an embouchure too loose, the word may have the formation of the word dummmmm. If you form an embouchure too tight, the resulting word may feel like the deem. Dim works well and start with that feeling.
With you finger and thumb in place, repeat the word dim. Feel the muscles involved with forming this word. Keep repeating the word several times and take note of the muscles as well as how the muscles change position as the word is repeated. When you think you completely understand how you face is working and moving, continue to another five minutes. YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON. Continue and I will wait right here..
(Time passes)
More time passes as the reader continues to analyze the position, firmness and motion of his/her embouchure muscles.
(Later the same day….)
Did you notice how the m in dim brings the corners slightly forward? Now that you have completely focused on what is happening in a perfect embouchure, it is time to discuss a topic which will cause many of you to hate me and send threatening message to my inbox.
In a previous post, I reviewed a product which some of you may be using at this time- http://www.thetrumpetblog.com/to-p-e-t-e-or-not-to-p-e-t-e/
In this product review, I restated the rule that “firmness should be in the corners”, not in the center of your embouchure. As you experienced the perfect embouchure setting when forming the word dimmmmmm, the corners were firm and the center was relaxed. Now here is the point where you P.E.T.E advocates start sharpening you broad swords. Why spend money on a product which focuses the workload in the wrong area of your lip?
Now, my solution to the situation
1. Find a large rubber band and cut it in one spot.
2. Place each end of the rubber band in each of the two corners of your mouth.
3. Form the word dim and tighten the corners around the rubber band.
4. Place a finger in the middle of the exposed rubber band and slowly move it away from your face.
5. Repeat this exercise until you are able to hold the ends of the rubber band between the corners of your lip and stretch the band out to about 12 inches.
6. Now send me $10 for this idea. (Checks are acceptable with proper identification).
Doesn’t this make more sense than the P.E.T.E.?
In review
Firm corners
Relaxed center
Understand how the firm corners work and feel
Practice the rubber band exercise once a day and review why you are doing this exercise
Originally I intended to have only two segments to this topic but I keep running out of space. For that reason we will continue next time on the issue of air direction, over adjustment of the embouchure and other related issues. Stay tuned for more pontificating from an old trumpet player…..
I like this article. However if I’m spending $10 on a cut rubber band it better taste like bacon! 🙂
Seriously, great article and appreciated a lot!
great article! I am a band director for 27 years and for the first time I have 9th grade trumpets who do not produce good tone, and their embouchure is a work in progress. Your article will surely help bring them along. Would you mind if I shared it on my website? The site is a collection of good articles and videos that I share with my students.
http://livingthebandlife.blogspot.com/
By all means!
I am honored.
The very best to you and yours from the Branson Trumpet Ensemble
I am a not professional trumpet player but all of your tips really help me dimmmmmmmm….. Thanks
No, thank you for your comment.
Stay well and live long my new friend.
I really appreciate your tips and especially this one on good tone. I’m definitely going to start doing this exercise. Keep em coming!
I hope it helps and remember to get paid in cash when ever possible.
Thank so much for this eye opening idea
Let me know how it works for you.