Lip Vibration of Trombone Embouchures, Leno, Part 2 of 3

This film by Lloyd Leno shows trombone embouchures filmed using a transparent mouthpiece and high speed filming. Additional comments by Leno from a screening of this film are dubbed in. In part 2 of 3 Leno discusses the upstream embouchure and shows the embouchures of Drew Kaptur, Larry Kitzel, and Larry Wiehe.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Lloyd
• Leno
• embouchure
• Drew
• Kaptur
• Larry
• Kitzel
• Wiehe
• upstream

[MOOCDS]

I don't like players who talk about changing upstream playing to downstream. You should NEVER change your embouchure to play higher or lower. Start on a middle C and build up from there. High notes come from a faster air speed from your diaphram, not the way your lips are positioned in the mouthpiece. Working from a middle C means your lips are relaxed and have a nice and big opening between your upper and lower lips. Phat notes should always be the goal.

[wilktone]

@MOOCDS I agree with you about changing air stream directions. Brass embouchures function best when they are always one or the other, but not both at once (see Tubist's Embouchure video).

One of the downstream embouchure types does work very well when players practice from middle C and expands, but this is not always true for the other two basic types. The goal shouldn't really be a big aperture, but a good embouchure form. "Phat" too soon can limit development of range and flexibility.

[DeathsHand2248]

while watching this, I realize that I'm doing the same exact stuff. I have a down stream on the higher notes, and when i get to the D/C (concert F and G on the french horn) I start to switch to an up stream. Could anyone shed ne light on this matter, I have a hard time from switching back and fourth and could really use some exercises and or advice on how to deal with it.

[wilktone]

@DeathsHand2248 It's usually best to play your whole range either downstream or upstream. Moving your mouthpiece placement either higher or lower on your lips should help you do this, but which way will be correct for you is impossible to say without being able to watch you play in person.

You might watch my "Tubist's Embouchure: A Case Study" for more insights.

[DeathsHand2248]

@wilktone I agree completely and that's what my horn professor is working on through the Kuruso exersises, its just i don't get a good upper range and the upper range is very, extremly flat with the up stream ombesure, however the down stream i can hit the high notes and everything good, just i can't get below a concert Eb without switching.

[wilktone]

@DeathsHand2248 Caruso exercises may be best if you put them "upside down," that is, start with your high range embouchure and work that down, not the other way around.

It's hard to say without watching you play in person. Good luck!

[ANSIcode]

I really like your videos and appreciate what you are doing I play trombone since 6 years and am an upstreamplayer as my teacher has taught me I have not counciously focused on my mouthpiece movement or the placement of the mouthpiece though. Have you ever heard brass players complein about a certain STRAINING OF THE THROAT? That is what I experience to seome extent. It feels uncomfortable. I think the reason is that the air can not pass the lips in the proper amout per time, esp. in high range

[DeathsHand2248]

@wilktone I agree completely with you not being able to say anything without watching me play, Though i don't see how working it reverse would help seeing how i can't really get past a low Bb (concert Eb) on the horn, maybe i could post a video or something. And my apologies for spelling Caruso wrong. Idk if you know my horn professor but his name is Bruce Heim.