When first starting out as trumpet players we have to locate the correct position for our mouthpiece. This sounds simple enough but after teaching for more years than I care to remember, this decision is more important than most people realize. The exact location can be determined by luck, comfort, or even the set up of your teeth, lips and jaw position. What I will describe here is a very easy way to get started as a beginner and may also be used as a guide to see if you, as a seasoned veteran, have been doing it correctly or is there a more effective position for you to change to.
Steps for locating the proper placement of your mouthpiece from left to right-
1. Start buzzing a constant pitch in your middle range.
2. Place your first finger of your left hand on the left, outside corner of your lip.
3. Slowly side your finger towards the center of your lip.
4. When your vibration (buzz) stops, keep your finger in the same position.
5. Restart your buzz and slowly slide your first finger of your right hand from the right, outside corner towards the center as you did with your left hand.
6. When the vibration (buzz) stops, check where the center is between your two fingers for this is where you should place your mouthpiece.
Steps for locating the proper placement of your mouthpiece up and down-
This decision is not an easy for several issues come into play. Most instructors would agree that placing the mouthpiece equal distances would be a good start but due to ones own physical conditions, dental facial structure, damaged lip tissues, scares, etc. each individual must decide what works best for him/her. There are some general characteristics attributed to higher and lower placements-
1. A mouthpiece placed very high on the lips will many times improve low range playing because of the increased length of vibrating tissue.*
2. A mouthpiece placed low on the lips will many times improve high range playing because of the decreased length of vibrating tissue.
3. A mouthpiece placed very high on the lips will many times improve flexibility because of the increased length of vibrating tissue.
4. A mouthpiece placed low on the lips will many times restrict flexibility because of the shortened length of vibrating tissue.
5. A mouthpiece placed very high on the lips will many times result in a darker sound because of the increased length of vibrating tissue.
6. A mouthpiece placed low on the lips will many times brighten the tone quality because of the decreased length of vibrating tissue.
7. A mouthpiece placed very high on the lips will many times increase endurance because more lip muscles are able to develop strength.
8. A mouthpiece placed low on the lips will many times decrease endurance because less lip muscles are able to develop.
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the most effective location of your mouthpiece will greatly affect your playing and development as a trumpet player.
*It has been proven that the upper lip is the only area that vibrates when buzzing. The lower lip’s function is to support the upper lip when buzzing.
Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom about mouthpiece placement. I do something very similar but it’s nice to read a slightly different approach.
Thanks for your comments and I would like to hear your approach as well. Is it on your Web page?
No, I haven’t written about that yet. I was actually thinking that it’s good that you posted your thoughts so I can share them with my students.
Me am pushing but it seems their is no improvement nd i hav passion to lean it