top lip trouble :-(

samlg · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 7:46 am Post subject:

hi all,

ive got a bit of trouble with my top lip. this is in a similar vain to another topic, 'air pocket' only my top lip bulges out when i play high and/or loud. i used to have a great sounding range on all four F's now as soon as i get to an A my top lip bulges out when i put any pressure into the blow.

i have a few ideas what could be the cause/problem,

i. over strengthening the top lip. i have recently been useing the collins flex every day and i think i have built up the bottom part of my top lip up so it seals up around my front teeth.

ii. excessive straining. i think i might be tensing up all my muscles up pulling my lip round my top teeth and sealing off creating an air pocket like before.

does anyone else have any ideas what could be the problem or what i could do to fix this damn problem! the only thing i can think of is taking time off. i think i have played everyday for the past couple of years. time for a day off??

cheers for any help you can give, sam

tcutrpt · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 1:46 pm Post subject:

I have a couple of suggestions. I don't know if they will help or not but you may want to give them a try. It sounds to me as if you're just using too much air and the excess has no where to go. Try using a bit less air and aiming more through the mouthpiece. Think of focusing your sound rather than getting louder. Make sure too that you aren't relying too much on pressure in the upper register. The corners and air should be what is supporting the sound. I hope this helps.
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samlg · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 10:46 pm Post subject:

thats great stuff, i need someone to tell me these things, thanks. ive got a bit of power behind me, i have ben known to out blow a rock group with their amps turnt up all the way... and then my trumpet fell of my face!!

ill give your advice a go, i think it may also have a bit to do with tucking my top lip under. might be time to find a euph!!

cheers, sam

Emb_Enh · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Oct 2002 Posts: 455

Excessive LIP FLEX exercises weaken the mouth corners and thins the lips out from a (desirable) pucker [albeit natural or manufactured (undesirable)] to a stretch embouchure, thereby having [on some] the effects you have described.
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samlg · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 8:23 am Post subject:

i think you have hit the nail on the head there. so whats the solution?

cheers, sam