Maintaining a good trumpet embouchure is highly dependent on the individual’s skill level. There are a few simple rules to follow when it comes to chin and lip posture that can help you achieve a good embouchure. These techniques can aid in the development of higher levels of trumpet playing, particularly on the higher notes of the scale. While not every trumpet player can reach the highest notes in the instrument’s range, everyone can maintain a good trumpet embouchure.
The positioning of the chin is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of trumpet embouchure. When playing the trumpet, keep your chin as flat as possible. The tip of the chin should be pointing downward. This should be done in such a way that airflow from the lungs is not restricted. This aids in keeping the lips and head in the proper position for trumpet playing.
The lips are another important aspect of trumpet embouchure. The bottom lip should be curled slightly inward at the very least. The corners of the lips should also be kept tight. As a result, the trumpet player may be able to reach higher notes. Trumpet players may consider maintaining a flat smile to keep the corners of their lips tight.
Another important aspect of good trumpet embouchure is keeping the teeth slightly apart. Approximately a quarter of an inch. The simplest way to check this is to place the trumpet mouthpiece’s shaft end between the teeth and have the teeth hold it in place. When playing, the teeth should be about that distance apart.
The cheeks also play an important role in the trumpet embouchure. While many new trumpet players may be tempted to puff out their cheeks to compensate for any air flow issues, this is a bad habit to get into. It encourages sagging lips, which can negatively impact tone quality and range. As a result, when playing, the cheeks should be kept as flat as possible. This will also aid in the strengthening of other facial muscles necessary for trumpet playing.
The mouthpiece’s location is also important to think about. Many beginners place the mouthpiece exactly in the middle of their upper and lower lips. However, it is preferable to keep the mouthpiece mostly on the lower lip. The mouthpiece should be two-thirds on the lower lip and one-third on the upper lip, according to one rule of thumb. When playing higher notes, this is especially important.