Trumpet tip, corners, embouchure and range.

In this video I discuss how our corners set up our embouchure to help us with range. This is how we keep from smiling or pulling our corners back.

[@spiderspider7]

RIP Jon Ruff. Thank you so much for your contribution to trumpet playing wisdom.

[@gregorysloat4258]

I just discovered Jon’s videos last week, and didn’t know that he was no longer with us until I saw your comment. 😢 That has added more urgency for me to watch all of his videos. Some people can do it, but not teach or explain it in a way that students can absorb it and make it their own. He could do both, and I’m thankful I happened to stumble upon his KZbin channel.

[@paulgrimm6850]

How did he Pass?

[@jayfriedman8606]

@@paulgrimm6850 I was told he was in a freak motor vehicle accident. Struck by a wheel that came loose. 😢

[@paulgrimm6850]

@@jayfriedman8606 I dam near bought it that way too . I was truck driving and a wheel shot up in the air and was coming down towards me . I was on a bridge in heavy traffic and had now where to go.Thankfully it hit my bumper in the middle and bent it. Then it shot over the bridge towards the rail road tracks. Very sorry to here this and thank you

[@faithandherghosts]

its so sad when I find out that the wonderful and generous teachers that made videos that taught me key lessons have passed away. Life is a precious thing. Play music. Jaw forward, corners anchored, teeth aligned.

[@JeffLewisTrumpet]

Another "gem" of a tutorial full of real practical advice brought to you by Ruff! A very complex process indeed! Thank you.

[@Rufftips]

Jeff Lewis Trumpet I think the actual practical advice comes from a different source. kzbin.info/door/o8llNAe_UIBU-QFJoU_HBA

[@Clunie999]

This is the best, easy to understand explanation I have heard. This is making a huge difference for me. Thank you. Easy to set up properly each and every time.

[@bradstewart7007]

Been working to fix myself for a couple of years and about a year ago I realized that letting my corners relax and move is when things start to go south. Keeping the corners set and the middle relaxed is key. The corners are part of the taught rim of the drum. The embouchure setup is the other part of setting up the rim of the drum (see Charlie Porter, how to form an embouchure).

[@andresolomon8711]

Awesome explanation on how to set your embouchure! I used to play many years ago and now I'm starting to play again this is very helpful 😊

[@mancolon2697]

Thank for opening the door for better trumpet playing, this is indeed a master class, Thanks

[@kevinlewellen1037]

Jon, thank you for sharing this video! As you have said, "range is discovery." I recently turned 60 years old and I am still working to crack this embouchure ”code" for myself, after resuming playing again 10 years ago after a 30 year layover. Since I was 5 years old, the trumpet has been in my dreams. I sincerely appreciate the gift that you are sharing with trumpet players everywhere! Thank you for your generous spirit!

[@Rufftips]

Kevin Lewellen very humbled by your kind words. Hang in there and keep discovering

[@kevinlewellen1037]

Thank you, Jon! The trumpet keeps me optimistic and a "kid" in the best way. My best regards to you!

[@blow-by-blow-trumpet]

Ha! I'm 50 and I resumed playing 5 years ago after a 30 year gap! You could be future me. How's it going?

[@kevinlewellen1037]

@@blow-by-blow-trumpet This year, I had some off the trumpet time for six or seven months (my playing was stronger than ever, but I needed to set it aside to focus on other things). I brought my comeback instrument on a recent month long stay away from home and was pleasantly surprised to hear how well I could play after all that time off (•‿•). I am looking forward to getting back onto my professional grade instrument. I know that it is easier to play and that the sound is much more rewarding. When I was playing in highschool and college, I was on a Bach 3C diameter and I was playing "in the red" on the upper lip. When I started playing again 12 years ago, I got out of "the red" and downsized eventually to Bach 10 1/2 diameter and smaller. This has made a great positive change for my playing and endurance! I wish you all the best!

[@HockeyGuy_in_STL]

64 next month and still playing every day. . .

[@wayneworthy2672]

Thanks John. I've been struggling with tone and range for years but now, because of this short and informative video, I've finally discovered what I've been doing wrong: "smiling and pulling the corners back". I followed you precise instructions and voila: I can now play from the lower to the high registers with ease and without strain. For me, this simple correction was an instant cure. I'm subscribed to your channel and have been watching and studying your videos for a few years, but this is the one I needed to get on track. You have a talent for not only explaining and teaching what should be done, but also by showing how to do it by your vivid demonstrations. Thanks for your time, effort and generosity.

[@Rufftips]

wayne worthy wow I just saw this and got goosebumps. This is the exact type of result I have hoped that even one person would get from all of my ramblings. For me I’m just laying out breadcrumbs, ideas and concepts that might, just might help someone. I am so happy that this has work for you. A huge congratulations on discovery this is so important. It is almost impossible to explain that moment of discovery that changes how you look and think about what you’re doing. I am so glad you have found a better approach for you. Absolutely congratulations!!! Best Jon

[@rickmorales2113]

Excellent presentation, this covers it all.

[@faithandherghosts]

I picked up my daughter's old student trumpet and fell in love with playing. The 'jaw-forward' and corners anchored against teeth...wow, those two things alone hugely improved my sound and efficiency in creating/controlling pressure. Thanks so much for the video - it helped!

[@faithandherghosts]

seriously, wow...jaw forward. What a difference!

[@MrJacker751]

Glad to see you are doing well John. Thank you for sharing this information with us

[@gianlucatarasconi2194]

Golden rules and informations thank you so much and happy Music! 🎶🎵

[@ElPalomodelaSierra]

Thanks a lot for the video. I have been struggling with this issue for a long time. I will definitely will try your way. I just try and I was able to reach the f over the high C and for me that is great. Thanks for sharing you knowledge.

[@wimgerrits742]

Hi John, just wanna say big thanks. I love all your videos! I have never see such great practical and close up advice on embouchure. It made me realise what I was doing wrong. Now I have more endurance and upper register strength. Thanks. I hope you keep adding more videos.

[@Rufftips]

Wim Gerrits That’s fantastic news. I have always hoped it if just one person got something out of one video all of it would be worth it. I wish I’d been really organized as I did these but this was more of a process of discovery. So glad that this is helped you. I do plan on doing a few more things I’ve just been playing The Covid blues lately. About another month I should have my next adventure into Trumpet advice put together. Take care be well

[@steveferraro1107]

Very, very well done sir! Thanks so much for the specificity. Helps a ton.

[@karta818]

thank you so much for your video!

[@juane1973]

Thanks, teacher!!!!

[@farseer123456789]

Welcome back. Hope you're doing well buddy

[@RandomUsername34]

Ok, this is kinda freaky! Been playing for 30 years. Rang wise, i've had good periods and normal ones. Never been a hero above high C though. Solid upto High D in the good periods but that's about it. But!! I know i'm not playing optimal (bad teachers, bad habbits, etc) and I do still believe I can break the glass ceiling that's preventing me from expanding my range. After a 'covid pause' (no gigs :-( ) I recently picked up my trumpet again and started thinking outside the box embouchure wise. If what I'm doing isn't optimal, then maybe I have to take a big step away of what feels 'normal' or 'comfortable' and go way outside of the box. (Using the maggio concept, monkeyface! ) Last couple of days I formed an embouchure away from the trumpet wich felt very 'cushy' when I touched my lips, and added the trumpet. Using tongue arch it feels very flexible troughout my full range. Sound isn't that great yet, but the ease of playing defenitly improved. I just wached this video and bazinga!! It does indeed feel as if I'm cooling soupe!! You just gave me more hope sir! I will continue on this path and try to add velocity to the airstream in an attempt to unlock what has been locked for way to long! Fingers crossed and thank you for the very informative video's !! Edit: Calling me 'kid' at the start of every video does feel nice ;-)

[@zygmuntkwasiborski]

As if I was reading my story. I cordially greet you from Poland and I wish you successes, my friend.

[@deanthanasos7069]

Good explanation sir

[@aidanmsf7596]

I love your videos! Im having a problem though with my range. My embouchure setting plays high notes with a full sound and without even trying but I can’t get a good sound in the lower register at all

[@michelsarot3200]

you are great !!

[@Rufftips]

michel sarot Well that sure is very kind just trying to put stuff out there that helps folks if it makes sense to them

[@johns9070]

Luv ya man, thanks

[@paulgrimm6850]

Thank you

[@paulgrimm6850]

Sorry to hear of your passing

[@ronhendrickson4354]

Hey John, I'm a subscriber and I've watched most of your videos and a lot of other trumpet players videos. I can't find any video lessons from any trumpet player videos that teaches how to double or triple tongue in a very high register with a very high tongue arch. Your great. Please be the first to show how that can be done.

[@Rufftips]

Ron Hendrickson I don’t typically double tongue up there I’m sure it has to do with syllables that you would use where your tongue position is arched. I will see if I can figure this out and get something posted

[@ronhendrickson4354]

@@Rufftips Thanks John for responding. I find myself having to single tongue fast above the staff and it sounds awful to me. When my tongue tip is behind my bottom teeth and arched, I can only single tongue. Thanks for looking into this. Looking forward to your advice.

[@donhazzard4994]

Nice videos and great aloha shirts! When are you coming back to visit?

[@Rufftips]

Don Hazzard I just want to say how much I appreciate everything that you taught me while I was there. I have such fond memories of those two years. It was a great time of growth for me. I hope you’re doing very well sir. I’m not sure when I’m going to get back there I’d love to go back and stay for like a month and just visit people the whole time. I honestly miss Hawaii so much. Again thanks for being such a great teacher. Best, Jon

[@jancuijpers8603]

I did as you told and there it is! C4!!!!! Now very silent, but ...

[@Rufftips]

Wow how cool... I need to go back and listen to my own advice lol. So take your time and do not over do anything. Work on being able to repeat your success. Soft is good. The fact that the pitch sounds means things are in the right place or at least very close. Once you can repeat this note relatively consistent then see if you can add just a bit more volume. Take your time! Don’t over do it. Best, Jon

[@jancuijpers8603]

@@Rufftips set the corners against the teeth.

[@skrame01]

What mp were you using?

[@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?

[@nathanielwilliford2589]

Hey Jon! Great video. I’m having one problem. I have a very strong double G and A but once I get to the double C, my sound gets a little bit pinched off. I’m not sure why because I’m keeping almost everything essentially the same but i keep getting that smaller sound on the double C. Any tips? Thank you

[@Rufftips]

Nathaniel Xavier Williford The actual overtone engagement from the instrument itself very much diminishes above high G or G above hi C. It is quite natural for these notes above high G not to speak the same or sound the same as notes at high G and below. So we have to do our best to center the note as much as possible. Basically by playing the note in tune with whatever may be sounding around us. In this way we can ride on top of the overtones and lock in to that structure. My only recommendation for attempting to develop more volume in that register is by simply playing that register more often. As I always suggest please do not play too much to the point where you might hurt yourself. I would play scales, arpeggios, chords and melodies up into this register. What this does is strength your muscle memory ir your mechanical memory of where these notes are and how to produce them. It also helps you hear these notes better obviously because you’re playing them more often. Once you’ve become much more comfortable playing in that register then it is quite possible you’ll find a way to make the notes a bit larger. I wouldn’t try to play louder, this is not necessarily the best approach to achieving more volume. Becoming comfortable in this register is far more important in the long term. Good luck and congratulations, you figured out how to get there now all you have to do is make it more familiar. Best, Jon

[@nathanielwilliford2589]

Rufftips trumpet stuff got it. I’ll definitely keep shedding more and more stuff up there and try and incorporate it into my normal playing. Thank you so much for the tips

[@tonygambaro9232]

Setting in the middle is fine but how about the aperture opening and how to maintain a small opening? Are you doing the M routine? Maybe I missed it. Thanks

[@djraville]

So trying to get this right

[@Rufftips]

djraville Try not to overthink it just spit and go

[@StratKat1998]

"Smiling is a bad thing" :D :P Sir, thank you for the analytical insight and discussions. I have subscribed without having saved enough for my first trumpet yet, while just buzzing notes on a mouthpiece I decided to buy as a start. The shaping of the embouchure I have begun to form is pretty similar to the one you describe here. I would like to ask: Is it appropriate to press the mouthpiece quite harder against the lips when trying to produce high notes? It comes as an impulse to do it.Moreover, I appear to be doing the "pivoting" I heard in another of your videos, but the mouthpiece ends up aiming too low, making me fear it looks unaesthetic. Thank you again for the videos, looking forward to buying a trumpet and entering all training more seriously.

[@Rufftips]

Stratos Kat I think the majority of trumpet players tend to apply more pressure in the upper register. I would caution playing too much on the mouthpiece before you embark on practicing on trumpet. This is a highly unorthodox approach. You might have a great transition but I would again caution over the idea of developing certain habits on the mouthpiece alone. I would highly recommend not spending too much time each day on the mouthpiece. Best of luck to you I hope you get a trumpet soon

[@StratKat1998]

@@Rufftips Thank you for the insight, I will definitely keep it in mind. Have a great day!

[@nickbaker7727]

Hey man I love your videos and they have helped me a lot I have mastered your sylables “they gay” could you tell the triple tounging sylables that you use

[@Rufftips]

Nick Baker tuh, ti, guh.

[@svenlarsson]

Hi Ruff, I enyoj you videos even though I am a trombone player. You don´t talk about pedal tones, witch might be a good thing since the most talk about it on the YT is pretty awful anyway. But I like to ask you what your thoughts about pedaltones are?

[@nelsonsandoval1407]

Hello Jon… does it matter which direction airstream flows… my airstream tends to flow down…. Now when I push my jaw forward it helps to raise the airflow…. But my sound suffers…. Do I need to develop playing in that position? I appreciate your time and effort…

[@nelsonsandoval1407]

Oh so sorry…. I didn’t know Jon had passed… Rest In Peace

[@camelhp121]

Hey Jon. I had a question about my embouchure. I have an under bite and I feel that my bottom lip comes over my bottom teeth, especially when I go in the high register. I feel that it is keeping from improving my range. I am trying to find out if this should or should not be happening. If not, I think I have a problem. Please let me know. Thanks!

[@Rufftips]

Stephen Roesch When we ascend the lower lip does do some kind of reaction to this process. This does depend upon what you are doing personally. In my opinion as we go up in register the jaw goes forward. This motion tends to tighten or draw the lower lip against the lower teeth. This might feel as if the lower lip is curling in and resting on top of the lower teeth. The more important motion is that jaw moving forward. If you’re free buzz and buzz octaves there is a motion the question is what is this motion? Without any kind of visual observation it is very difficult for me to analyze what may or may not be happening in your case. Best, Jon

[@camelhp121]

Rufftips trumpet stuff thanks for the info Jon. I know what you mean about the bottom lip feeling like it curls over. I play to right side and can see the left side bottom lip start tucking in as I go up in range. I know it’s hard to describe. If you would be okay with with it, I can record it and send it over so I can show you. I am getting frustrated since I have been playing a long time now and can barley break out past high Efl above high C. Also my tone seems to be bad. I am working on tightening the corners b/c I think this might be one of my issues.

[@Rufftips]

Stephen Roesch Can go ahead and do a video if you’d like I may or may not be able to figure out what’s going on through that alone but I’ll take a look

[@camelhp121]

Rufftips trumpet stuff hey Jon.... I loaded the vid on my channel. Please take a look and let me know what you think?

[@nathanielp1066]

I just can’t do it I’m in high school marching band and I need to get good embouchure but it’s so hard for me to understand 😔

[@matthewmunroe6192]

Hi, I'm a highschool trumpet player, but I can't seem to find my embouchure. I struggle to play above high d, but I used to be able to play double e's. I can't seem to find a responsive embouchure to play with. Plz help.

[@Rufftips]

Matthew Munroe Sorry for the late reply somehow my notifications did not come through. It sounds like there’s a lot of work to do if you can give me a way to contact you.

[@Kira-pz8bm]

I think I have a problem, when I go to the higher register my right corner is bending down and stretching

[@Rufftips]

Kira 75 So does what’s happening seem to cause a problem with your sound or being able to get into your upper register?

[@Kira-pz8bm]

@@Rufftips it seems so, but when i set the angles as you say, my register is much smaller, even the buzz is much worse, but i guess it must be time consuming

[@Rufftips]

Kira 75 so one thing you can try to see if it helps keep the right corner in place is to think forward. Sort of a slight push of your lips into the mouthpiece and slightly moving the jaw forward and up. This slight motion might provide a counteracting solution to corner stretching. The downward dip might be minimized as well. If the sound gets worse and it feels bad then don’t continue the experiment. Best, Jon

[@Kira-pz8bm]

@@Rufftips so thank You Jon, i will try to fix it anyway, it is a great pleasure to get advice from a professional like you. greetings from across the planet.

[@michellee5397]

i hope someone can help me out, but anytime i play the trumpet for just buzz on mouth piece i notice that the corners of my lips roll themselves out and i try tightening them but then i sound too sharp, please help!

[@Rufftips]

Michelle E if the sound is good and you are not loosing air I would not worry too much. Without seeing and hearing what is happening it is impossible for me to make a recommendation. Best, Jon

[@martinnguyen7959]

Hi Jon, Do you do anything to your windpipe as you play high? I notice your throat kind of expands out and I see it with Wayne Bergeron as well. Physically, contracting your windpipe should increase air speed but everyone I've seen/talked to said to avoid it. Or is it just a something that just happens when you play?

[@aarontodor1029]

Do you give private lessons ? I would love to take lessons with you.

[@Rufftips]

Aaron Todor I do. We can figure something out. I need to get some sleep. More on this tomorrow

[@aarontodor1029]

Rufftips trumpet stuff , how shall we communicate ?

[@Rufftips]

Aaron Todor Email me at [e-mail] We’ll go from there

[@fredericbergamini7089]

Philip Farkas

[@HockeyGuy_in_STL]

Great explanation, thanks! But I just spit on my iPad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯