5 Tips for Better Mouthpiece Buzzing |

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

A little later in the day than planned, but here's the 1st episode of #TrumpetProTips - all (polite) feedback welcome as always! Let's hear it!

[@drew-cf9bm]

What kind of mouthpiece did you use in this video?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

That’s my Hammond Design custom, converted to a Schagerl Apredato.

[@cjallenroxs6239]

My friends tell me I use way too much bottom lip to the point where my top lip is on top of the mouthpiece but I can hit a E off staff. I want to be louder though with my high notes any tips

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

It’s advisable to have both lips in the mouthpiece - the rim should anchor at least at the join, or outside of the red of your lips. That will provide the support necessary to improve all your registers.

[@joshuajennings6852]

Thank you so much again Bryan. This video really help me with my buzzing.

[@KennyLeeper]

Great information Bryan. After watching this I realized I needed to back off and allow the air to move and as a by product , the embouchure was able to do what it needed to. Everything evens up quickly once you make the connection.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Hey Kenny! Hope you're doing well. Glad you found it helpful - it's amazing what we can do if we get out of our own way!

[@jonathanaguilar388]

@@AirflowMusicNYC wait, so when I play a very high like a high F#, I can’t buzz?

[@jonathanaguilar388]

And If I can’t, how do you get those double high c, amazing but I’m kinda discouraged because I’m stuck in 3 Octave D

[@BrianHayesSax]

Great video. Just a question on the tone of the buzz when produced on the mouthpiece alone. Some great players get a huge bright 'duck quack' type of tone, others more like a mosquito buzz. The late great Clark Terry's 'Trumpet Mouthpiece Blues' recording is a jaw dropping example of the control he had on the mouthpiece alone, which no doubt transferred across to the freedom with which he played his horn. For most people, if they play a note on the trumpet, then immediately take the mouthpiece out and buzz that tone in the same octave it tends to resemble more the mosquito buzz tone than the very full, dominant duck quack sound. Just interested in your thoughts as to what is the preferred tone to be aiming for when playing on just the mouthpiece alone? Your video series is fantastic. Great to hear the thoughts of a professional player who's still actually out there playing rather than just thinking about the trumpet!

[@patriciaWmonteiro]

Wanna know too

[@harriheinsoo]

...

[@ericmundsinger6]

Hi Bryan ! I know James Stamp was a big advocate of mp buzzing, however, Claude Gordon wasn't. Great video !

[@jamdeeder]

Nice helpful tips Thank you. I am picking up the Trumpet again... After More than 30 years!!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Welcome back to playing!

[@crpnskie]

excellent. I finally got the sweet spot.

[@violinjose]

Great. What did you do that helped you achieve it. Thanks.

[@rustytrubey3269]

Bryan, when I buzz the mouthpiece, I get a really airy sound. Any ideas on this?

[@jojo7042]

I'm a brand new trumpet player and my school is trying to teach me 3 years of playing in 4 days before we go into a game.

[@jojo7042]

We went to the game and they all said I did amazing. I still have so much to learn trumpet wise, but the marching they all said I had did great on. When we first got on the field, I had butterfly's in my stomach. There was so many people that all I could hear was chanting. It was amazing 😁

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Fantastic. Glad you had fun. Time to start practicing regularly.

[@jojo7042]

@@AirflowMusicNYC thank you, I will

[@georgeclausen2408]

Thanks for your videos! Question: Is it advisable to buzz on the mouthpiece alone, or is it helpful to have, for example, a short piece of plastic tubing attached to the mouthpiece, or some other extended tube beyond the mouthpiece like a lead pipe?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

You’re very welcome, George. Thank you for watching. Personally, I prefer to mouthpiece buzz without any additional gadgets. Sounding the lead pipe is also worthwhile to practice for slightly different reasons, and is not something I do regularly, although it’s useful occasionally for me. Just remember to maintain breath support, not buzz too loud or hard, and then that playing with the trumpet attached should feel easier! If you can do those then you shouldn’t go far wrong.

[@user-hr5uj1wq5q]

Hello, I'm going out of the seminar. Can I know what you think of Bach 5B? It sounds great but it's deep. It is almost never used by professionals

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

I already answered your question about the 5B when you previously asked it. I don’t have any experience with playing one, so I don’t have a particular opinion about it. If you like the sound, it feels good on your face, and you can play what you need to play on it, then use it!

[@user-hr5uj1wq5q]

can I ask you for advice? do you know the Getzen 5c mouthpiece? what do you think about it? does it sound dark or bright? thank you

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

I don’t have any experience with the Getzen 5C in particular. It’s most likely modeled on the Bach 5C. Generally, the C indicates a medium depth cup which is likely to have a good spread of frequencies in the sound, and not particularly accentuate either the highs or lows, which are responsible for making it sound bright or dark, respectively.

[@ultramanxk7]

This vídeo gets a well deserved "like"!

[@rmatias11]

Sir I don't have any teeth and I don't wear my dentures. Can I effectively create a buzz? Just got a trumpet a few days ago and have no clue of what I'm doing. I wann learn to play tape. Thanks in advance

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Personally, I’ve never seen somebody without at least some teeth, in the front, play the trumpet. That doesn’t mean it’s not possible, but I imagine you’d be at a disadvantage. Buzzing the mouthpiece can be helpful as you progress as a player, but it’s not where I’d start. Watch some beginner videos, or better still meet with a local teacher, and see if you can get the trumpet to sound. Best of luck.

[@borg9355]

What you think is going on if when you use the mouthpiece it sounds more like a duck call type sound? Thanks.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

My gut says that you’re probably squeezing air out with your mouth rather than supporting an airstream.

[@borg9355]

​@@AirflowMusicNYC Does having really thin lips (which I have) make it harder than someone with thick lips? Thanks again.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

No. I don’t have thick lips either.

[@Inspired2Teach]

Thanks for your great videos. Do you incorporate mouthpiece buzzing with lead pipe buzzing or using a device such as a BERP? If so, are there any variances in how you might use each?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks for watching. I’m not a hardcore lead pipe buzzer, but I do use it on occasion. I don’t like to use buzzing gadgets - I’m trying to dial in the feeling of the resistance of the mouthpiece so I know where to lean in, so connecting to anything other than the trumpet can be misleading, for me.

[@Kai-bd1mt]

Anyone ever mentioned about your voice really similar to Ross in the “Friends” tv drama LOL

[@keithwilds3433]

Great videos Bryan! Can you advise on avoiding closing throat or in maintaining good open throat in upper register? Apologies if you've covered it already.

[@SpritualTechniques]

Great tips!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks!

[@Moonstarbell]

From what I see most have high pitches and I have low pitches how can I fixed that?

[@goplayatrumpet]

simple, but effective.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

The best things often are! Thanks for watching.

[@taniasiviero1732]

Thanks for all of your videos! I find them very useful and really well done! I'm not a professional player, I just play on my own when I come back from work, but i'm trying to find a way to have a good sound and enjoy playing without effort, and some of your tips already helped me a lot. Last, you speak very clearly and even though I'm not english I can understand every single word. Thanks for this great videos!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thank you for watching. I’m so pleased that I’m being helpful!

[@justinlees7675]

So Great To Hear!!!!

[@georgeclausen2408]

Thanks very much, Bryan. I appreciate the info.

[@campocat]

awesome !!!!!!

[@trpt55]

As was mentioned early in the video - mouthpiece buzzing is a very divisive subject even amongst the top professional players. Although I understand the points made in the video I personally fall into the category of those who are against it. My reason is that the most important aspect of playing, to me, is the quality of sound. The position of the lips to get a good sound on the instrument versus the position to get a good buzzing sound is very different. So when you practice buzzing you are in effect practicing the wrong lip position which can actually be harmful to your sound.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

That’s not a reason against buzzing I’ve heard before, and certainly is not true for me. My lips are in the same position; the difference is the amount of tension I have to actively add to make the buzz. Interesting!

[@trpt55]

@@AirflowMusicNYC I don't believe it's possible for the lips to be in the same position. The fact that there is either no sound or a buzzing sound means the position must be different to create one or the other. I understand your points about buzzing having some positive aspects - but to me these are outweighed by the negative. Anyhow, I think this is one of those subjects that everyone with different opinions have to agree to disagree and respect the others opinion. If Someone feels it works for them, fine.

[@francismaziers1550]

Hi Mister Davis, can i buzz on a cornet mouthpiece?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Hi Francis. Thanks for watching. You can buzz on a cornet, flugelhorn or any other mouthpiece, although it can be a little more challenging if you have a deeper V cup, which is more common on cornet/flügel. They tend to have a more open feel to match the conical bore of the instruments better.

[@francismaziers1550]

Bryan Davis - Airflow Music Thanks a lot. And yes it seems more challenging with my Alliance mouthpiece with this V cup. My sound is more fuzzy. All the best.

[@marffvmarffv5438]

Thanks it's clearer mainly I take notes for not too air pressure and releasing air more than pushing it hard. I'm new to that so cannot manage to do it but will use your instructions.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

It requires some rebalancing, sometimes, but stick with it. The rewards will be evident if you figure it out. Thanks for watching.

[@brunchtrolls5073]

Thank you very much sir Bryan! God bless you! :)

[@janekzawada8877]

Excellent Bryan, what is your opinion on the P.E.T.E from Warburton for training the embouchure... Had one for a number of years but always wary of the adverse effect if there is such a thing.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Hi Jan. I have a PETE - bought it at the time like everybody else! It’s an interesting gadget. I think it’s important to remember, just as they say in all their accompanying blurb, that it’s not a substitute for playing the instrument. There’s a important reason for that: the prescribed exercises might work and build muscles, but they don’t do it in response to airflow. Both the suggested/included exercises are somewhat similar to, but not the same as, how your embouchire works when you’re playing. You can do the weightlifting version of the pencil exercise, or the restraining the disc with your lips. The former builds corner muscles, but only the statics, not the dynamics - that’s why I prefer the Stevens/Costello version of the pencil exercise rather than the famous one. The latter works more on the dynamic muscles, but in the wrong direction - I don’t ever use those to pull in. That maybe more beneficial if your embouchure is aggressively rolled in, I grant you. This is a longer and rantier answer than I intended. I don’t have a problem with the PETE, but I think you can get more benefit from the S/C pencil and blocked buzzing/the hermetic seal.

[@YardbirdEntertainment]

Fantastic! Super helpful!

[@francismaziers1550]

Hi Mister Davis, I think you played long tones from Cichowicz and not Stamp for your melodic buzzing. Thanks for sharing this excellent videos. Best regards.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Hi Francis. I was reading from the Stamp book, so it was definitely Stamp! I’m less familiar with Cichowicz - there must be something similar there.

[@francismaziers1550]

Bryan Davis - Airflow Music So excuse me Bryan. It sounds really like Cichowicz! Kind regards.

[@OM-md6ki]

That intro music is sick! That whole tone 90s sound 0:15

[@davetuttle9701]

Excellent 👍

[@LearnSaxophoneWithMatthewSmith]

Great stuff, Bryan

[@demetriussheats9926]

how do you avoid overblowing when it calls for mouthpiece buzzing in a comedy piece?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

That’s a new one on me! Try to relax as much as possible to get the job done without tensing any more than necessary.

[@demetriussheats9926]

ok thx!

[@christophrapp9340]

hey Bryan! What do you think about leadpipe-exercises? Do you do them?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

I don’t often spend time on the mouthpiece+leadpipe alone, personally, but it’s something I have some of my students work on. The goal, for me, is resonance and ease of response.

[@christophrapp9340]

Bryan Davis - Airflow Music I‘m just asking becuase I heard of exercises to improve the higher register and prevent overblowing.

[@lenzotrumpet]

Hi Bryan first off thank you for this mouthpiece buzz video.You mentioned not to buzz too long to starting out ,is 5 minutes too much or is it better to start out with 3 minutes ?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks for watching, Anthony. It’s hard to say - it really depends on the individual. Whether buzzing or playing, it’s important to develop a feel for when your chops are tired, so you can feel when it’s time to rest in the practice room. Endurance is not developed by practicing to exhaustion.

[@lenzotrumpet]

@@AirflowMusicNYC thank you again ...love you videos

[@lenzotrumpet]

@@AirflowMusicNYC btw.should lip buzzing be done before m.p. buzzing ?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

That's usually what I do.

[@heyheymama8268]

Thank you! I subscribe ;) Cheers from France!

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Merci beaucoup!

[@TenorCantusFirmus]

Not a trumpet player, but I am an amateur cornett (zink) player, and I not always have the time to practice. But the one thing I try to do on a daily basis is mouthpiece buzzing, at the very least that have to be done to preserve the necessary muscle memory and training to proficiently buzz the instrument. I always keep the mouthpiece in a small box I can always take with me wherever I go, so I can practice mouthpiece buzzing at least. I repeat, I'm not a professional brass player, but I would recommend mouthpiece buzzing, at least as a "last-resort" exercise.

[@janekzawada8877]

Excellent Bryan just as I thought to be honest, I’ll leave it in the packet... thank you very much for the advice, Jan

[@trombonerful]

Love the new format Bryan

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Thanks very much!

[@georgegates526]

#TrumpetProTips But aren't you changing the air and/or lip pressure for the high notes? I'm a newbie looking at ALL THESE PEOPLE giving tips. (and becoming more confused.)

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

I’m not sure how your question relates to this particular video, but basically yes. Your air definitely changes as you change register. The mouthpiece pressure against the lips will vary but, ideally, doesn’t change too much. However, that depends on how balanced your air approach is. That, in turn, will refine as you become more experienced at playing. If you’re new to playing, then you’re quite right that the plethora of tips out there can be overwhelming, and seemingly contradictory at times. To help with this, there are a couple of things to think about: 1. Learning to play a musical instrument, and make music, is not something that we ever “finish.” - There’s always something we can improve and our level of experience affects how deeply we understand what we’re doing. If a tip resonates with you then try it. If not, don’t worry - it may do later. 2. Consider the source. - With so many people offering their “expertise” it can be tough to know who to listen to. If it’s easy to find examples of them performing out in the world, and sounding really great, then they’re probably a safe bet. If performances are harder to come by, but it’s fairly easy to find that they are a highly qualified college professor, for example, then that’s probably worthwhile. Otherwise, take it with a grain of salt, particularly if their premise is on the negative side. Thanks for taking time to ask a question, and enjoy the journey of learning to play!

[@wisdomnikham9187]

I will like to be tutored privately by your school sir.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Please contact me through airflowmusic.com for all lesson enquiries.

[@wisdomnikham9187]

K. Thanks sir

[@Francois_Dupont]

ive been trying for days and only get air, never any buzzing. i have only the mouthpiece and no trumpet. is there a trick?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Mouthpiece buzzing can be useful but it’s not essential. If you’re happy with your sound and focus on the trumpet then don’t worry about it.

[@wootzor1417]

Any tips for people with braces?

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Not specifically. I never had braces, growing up, so I would need to consult with somebody who does/did - I'll ask some colleagues. Generally, getting your air under control to minimize mouthpiece pressure will be the key to playing as comfortably as possible with braces. Doing so will also stand you in good stead when it comes time to adjust to playing without them too!

[@CornetBlues]

What's the best way to warm down so your fitter for next day's hard practice?. How to remove the tight lactic lip muscles fast?. I get days when I sound like a new beginner after a hard hours practice and throw it back into the case lol

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

Finish your day the same way you should start - gentle, relaxed lip fluttering. A few mins to loosen you up after playing works wonders!

[@CornetBlues]

Bryan Davis - Airflow Music Thanks for your advice Bryan, just like any other physical activity I guess 🎺🎺I would love to know how some players seem to have limitless endurance they can end a show as fresh as they started!.Is it all down to hard work 😓 or technique?.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

There’s a somewhat overused expression - “work smart instead of hard”. Personally, I prefer to “work smart as well as hard”. Endurance when playing is a balance. Yes, a certain degree of strength is required. That, in isolation, can get you to a decent level as a player. Yes, good air use is important. Again, on its own, it will take care of a lot of stuff for you. Yes, fundamental technique is something we need, so we have an understanding of how to play whatever comes up in the music. If you have all of those, and you can figure out how to get them to work together and in balance with each other, then you can really start to play more efficiently and endurance becomes less of an issue. For me, being efficient and having good endurance means that I don’t have to practice 4 hours a day just to be able to withstand playing a 4 hour job - I’m not “just” practising to build that strength. Practicing for an hour or two daily is enough to basically keep everything up to speed and to keep everything in balance, so if I have to play for 8 hours on a work day, it’s not such a big deal.

[@CornetBlues]

Bryan Davis - Airflow Music that’s brilliant advice Bryan thank you very much indeed 🙏🎺🎺🎺

[@sebastianfelipetorresgarfe8252]

What happen with lips when you put the pitch high? I don'w know how the lips should move to reach high and low notes.

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

The lips move in response to the air. The air is what governs pitch and everything else.

[@sebastianfelipetorresgarfe8252]

@@AirflowMusicNYC I think how closer the lips are is important too, I'm failing in how to close my lips for the air to pass through them :/

[@AirflowMusicNYC]

If you close your lips then there’s no chance any air can pass through. Make sure you’re gripping at the corners, then let your lips open as necessary to allow the air through and respond to it.

[@zapario4460]

french horn players???