Embouchure

Let's go through the steps to create the proper embouchure on trumpet. We have 2 way you can try. ABC's 4 Step Embouchure Set-up and Charlie Porters 4-Step Embouchure Set-Up
ABC's 4-Steps
Charlie Porter's 4-Steps
Detailed Step-By-Step - Click Here
  1. With the trumpet on your lap, let out a sigh breath by saying "HO---". Air should flow out freely with no restrictions. ​​​​​​
  2. ​Say the word "Banana" and emphasize the "B" (Buh).
  3. Form the "B" of the word Banana but do stop before saying the word. 
  4. Sigh through the "B" making sure air is flowing with no restrictions in the throat.
  1. Hide the "Red". Seal your lips, align your teeth like you are biting your fingernail, curl your lips in until the red in your lips disappears.
  2. Create the Seal. Place the mouthpiece or visualizer over your "Hide the 'Red'" lips. Equal lip placement and pressure needs to be monitored. 
  3. Create the Aperture and Tautness of Lips. With the mouthpiece or visualizer in place, create an aperture (opening) in your lips by dropping your jaw and raising your top lip. A 1/16"-1/8" aperture is the goal.
  4. Wetting the Lips, Breathing and Blowing. Test the aperture by blowing air without creating sound. When that is accomplished, wet the middle of the lips by poking your tongue through the middle of the lips. Then with the lips wetted, blow air again to create a buzz.

Common Errors

Above is how to set-up the embouchure, but how do you know if you did everything correctly?

To the right is a link and QR Code for Example 1 to hear what your tone will sound like if everything is correctly. If your sound is different, review the list below.
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Common errors with link to how they sound are listed below and corrections are by each on. 
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1. No Tone, Rushing Air.    2. Airy Tone.   3. Tight, Thin, Pinched Tone.    4. Stopped.
​      - All solution follow the ABC 4-Step embouchure step-up.
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*Know that if you make too significant of an adjustment in one area you may create another incorrect sound that is listed somewhere else.*

​Example 2. No Tone, Rushing Air
Possible errors:
  • Lips not together.
  • Too much pucker in the lips.
  • Dry lips, dry mouthpiece.
  • ​Insufficient air to make lips vibrate. 
Remedies:
  • Re-form and maintain “B” position with lips.
  • Lick lips, inside of mouthpiece.
  • Review “sigh” breath; use faster air.

Example 3. ​Airy Tone

Possible errors:
  • Lips not together. 
  • Too much pucker in lips.
Remedies:
  • Re-form and maintain “B” position with lips. 

Example 4. ​Tight, Thin, Pinched Tone

Possible errors:
  • Tense, excessively pursed lip formation (biting).
  • Too much pucker in lips.
  •  Tight, closed throat.
Remedies:
  • Relax; re-form “B” but de-emphasize lip pursing.
  • Re-form “B” but emphasize no pucker (more “M”).
  • Review “sigh” breath; suggest yawn with head up.

Example 5. Stopped (Restricted Buzz)

Possible errors:
  • Tense, excessively pursed lip formation (biting).
  • Too much mouthpiece pressure toward lips.
  • Tight, closed throat.
Remedies:
  • Relax, re-form “B” but de-emphasize lip pursing.
  • Relax left hand grip; no right hand little finger hook.
  • Review “sigh” breath; suggest yawn with head up.
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