Quick Corners - Get that embouchure engaged!

Ok! This is the 2nd of my quick videos from today. In this video I share some thoughts and experience about what and how we use our corners. I need to do some more in depth study and practice on aspects of mouthpiece buzzing but I think I'm on to something here, if not for me then at least for those of use who struggle with starting our sound. I'd love to hear some comments regarding mouthpiece work both positive and negative and how it's helped or hindered you. Enjoy!

[@CrowleyStarkey]

This video is a godsend! The concept of firm corners has always haunted me, because its difficult to find where exactly the corners need to be. This mouthpiece exercise has been the most consistent way for me to find the "sweet spot" of firm corners and relaxed center. When I go back to the horn and slowly engage the corners, I find my sound is immediately more full, rich, and CONSISTENT through the registers. Once I have that structure set, then I can really lean into the air support since the aperture can hold with the increased air speed. When everything starts clicking, it truly feels effortless to get around the horn.

[@CameronJay]

Hey! Thanks for watching g the video and thanks for the awesome comment. ❤️ I've just been revisiting this myself after rebuilding from my dental work - a bit of my own medicine you could say 😁. I've recently posted a video called Raw Warmup V3.7,(I think)... There are some more techniques in there that I employ on a daily basis to make sure everything g is fully engaged. Everyone's Warmup is different, which is a good thing but I do believe there are exercises and studies that can really help with important components of our embouchure like our corners. Thanks again - Keep practicing! Cameron.

[@GordonHudson]

Ask Eddie Severn. He did a video years ago showing that he couldn't mouthpiece buzz, but when the mouthpiece went into a leadpipe on its own it works. I suspect a lot of players good in the upper register have their lips further apart.

[@CameronJay]

Hey, that's a good point which also leads to a need for aperture control. It's all tiny adjustments.

[@CameronJay]

Hey, if there are any dislikes i'd love to chat about why - let's get productive!

[@GordonHudson]

On firm corners: Superchops players have relaxed corners. When I rebuilt my chops I was taught that it had to be firm corners. My natural playing is the opposite. Do you think firm corners are about stopping the embouchure collapsing into the mouthpiece? So firm corners are less important for people who play on MF type V cups or very flat rims?

[@CameronJay]

I'm thinking more 'engaged corners' - but then, maybe yes, my corners are quite firm. It virtually impossable to compare, I rarely have any air leaks. I think I am relatively set and try to ensure that what's going on inside the mouthpiece is relaxed to respond to the airstream.

[@ajn465]

This should be a much bigger discussion by now. My two cents… It’s been argued that when you’re actually playing, you’re not buzzing your lips. You’re merely setting up a wave front in the tube of the horn. Without the tube, the whole dynamic is different. As far as using buzzing to help find that inward motion, I find that very interesting as my own embouchure is riddled with idiosyncrasies. I went through braces in junior high school while meanwhile already trying to play like Maynard. I know I smiled too much and I think it’s still a bit of a tendency especially when I free buzz. I’ve been in the hospital for two weeks with a nasty bowel issue. With 4 to 6 weeks of recovery ahead of me… My incision is 5 1/2 inches long… It’s probably the perfect time to really focus on this and maybe come out a more efficient player. I hope to hear from you and continue the discussion! Thanks for the food for thought.

[@CameronJay]

Hey AJ, great to hear from you and thanks for the comment, yeah, a lot to go in to there! I'm in a theatre show at the mo and my schedule involves a lot of travellingn I'm back n the "Chops" maelstrom as it's a bit of shock to the system doing two shows a day so I'll report back or do a new video when time allows, probably in January at this rate! I wish you all the best with the hospital work and a speedy recovery too. Watch this space!

[@ajn465]

@@CameronJay I will! And try to make sure to tag me so I see it.