Understanding Correct Movementof the Embouchure

Richard Colquhoun – https://trumpetpla.net/

Correct movement

This movement enables good controlof the aperture with central-lip-compression. Mouth corners stayloose, allowing easy flexibility andmovement. The embouchurecontrols the release of pressurisedair, resisting it more as you ascend.The lip position becomes stronger asyou ascend meaning that you have aconsistent tone and control ofintonation in all registers. There isno need for mouthpiece pressure.

Stretching or tightening of the lips

Often referred to as a “Farkas-type”embouchure. This is the mostcommon traditional way to play.This movement causes the lips tobecome thinner and weaker as youascend in pitch. The embouchurecannot correctly resist the flow ofair. The lips will collapse into themouthpiece requiring added pressureto hold them in place. Tight mouthcorners hinder flexibility, range andstamina.

Maggio or Gordon-type pucker

When moving in the same directionas the air the embouchure cannoteffectively control the aperture.Pulling the chin flat makes thisproblem worse. Players will rely onoverblowing and creating ineffectiveresistance in the throat or with thetongue (like a kink in a hose, not likesqueezing the end as is oftenbelieved). Playing in the upperregister will have a spread sound andpoor intonation.