Embouchure Tweak Helped Sound, Endurance & Range...Basically Everything (BTBLOG 65)

[@DexterHaven]

Good girls control their aperture.

[@KazTrumpet]

I’ll give it a try. Thanks James!

[@BwellsTrumpetBasics]

Good to here from you, Kaz! Hope all is well with you, brother- shoot me an e-mail sometime!

[@idleviewer2010]

Been practicing for about 2 years now, recently I notice my lower lips curls around my bottom teeth and I get bruised inside my lip. I am trying this out but my lower lip still curls in, any advice on how to correct myself?

[@JeffLewisTrumpet]

Love it man! Just curious, how long did it take for you to get comfortable with this new setting?

[@BwellsTrumpetBasics]

Yo Jeff! Sorry for the delay getting back to ya. I don't remember exactly but I'm thinking it was groovy in maybe 2-3 months? Hope you're well!

[@JeffLewisTrumpet]

@@BwellsTrumpetBasics No worries. Wow, 2-3 months sounds fast! By the way, I think you are playing a musical in China or Japan coming up with an old student of mine Rigo? He lives in LA now and plays at Disneyland etc......small world!

[@MrBochawa]

Your embouchure changes mirror mine almost exactly, so discovering your blog was a godsend. It can be so lonely and generally psychologically taxing dealing with chop issues! After making these changes I find that I have an easier time utilizing the facial muscles to support the sound as opposed to the seal of the mouthpiece...and pressure. Rebalancing my muscle use has perhaps been the biggest challenge, but playing has never been more enjoyable. It feels like the cap on all of my skills on the horn have been removed and I'm playing better and progressing more markedly than ever. On top of that, I used to feel totally wrecked after heavy gigs or many hours of playing, and these days, after comparable gigs or practice, I simply feel fatigued, not damaged. My playing feels so much more healthy. Your written blog post on your embouchure tweak experience has really helped me keep a healthy perspective while going through the process, so I just wanted to drop a line to tell you how thankful I am!

[@BwellsTrumpetBasics]

Love to hear that! Yep, I've noticed the same changes that you are describing. Very cool! Also, I have to ask, is your KZbin name a "Chase" reference? If so...we used to blast that tune constantly back in college :-D Take care and keep me posted!