Now this should be interesting if not challenging!
For many years I have been interested in the workings of the embouchure as it functions while playing a brass instrument. I have studied with some very fine teachers through the years and I can sum up everything I learned in about one page single spaced.
We all know a few terms which we choose to share just at the right time to make us sound intelligent but after those few words are shared, we run out of anything of importance and then hide in the background of the conversation again.
What I will try to explain to my readers as well as myself are simple yet accurate explanation of the elements used as well as how they are used to form an effective trumpet embouchure.
One factor which will be very helpful is that we all can feel and envision where these muscles are in our facial area as well as feel their motion as they function. As an example; stick your tongue straight out to push your cheek out. Between the skin area is your Buccinator muscle. See how easy this is going to be! This is where Dizzy Gillespie went wrong!
And this is where you will find your Buccinator muscle. Such a pitty to do that to such a nice looking girl.
As we explore the muscles involved with a strong trumpet embouchure you need to recognize two very important facts-
1. Muscles can only contract.
2. All muscles work in harmony with their opposite or opposing sets of muscles.
We will delve much deeper into this fascinating balance of nature and as we do so, it is my wish that through this study, we bring some of you “evolutionists” over to the correct side of the fence.
