Air pocket

Goldenchops55 · Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2002 8:02 pm Post subject:

Hello all,
I have come upon a problem lately. I have a nice fat tone in all my registers, low to high. But, it seems that when I am tired, and try to play a High C any louder than a solid f, my top lip will start to fill with air. This also happens around High E when I am tired. What is going on? It doesn't matter how tight I keep my corners, my lips just fills up with air. Can anyone tell me what is happening?? Thanks for any help.

pedaltonekid · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Nov 2001 Posts: 1711

It is hard to tell for sure without watching you play, but i suspect that it may be due to the fact that you are rolling your top lip in and losing contact with the mouthpiece. What would happen then is that the air flow would be directed into the lip instead of the mouthpiece. As this happens the air would cause an air pocket in the lip and as you blew harder the pocket would continue to get bigger and affect your playing more and more.

If this is what is happening, try to visualize suction cups on the outside of your lips that are gripping the mouthpiece.

Either way you should consult with a good teacher in your area if at all possible.
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sean007r · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2002 4:53 am Post subject:

Goldenchops55

I have the same thing going on right now, but with my lower lip!

I didn't even know it, but my new trumpet instructor pointed it out during our first session.

Allegedly, his opinion, is that the embouchure is too weak and therefore an air pocket forms.
Which really makes sense now because you/me are "tired".

I was advised just to watch it and adjust as needed.
For me I adjust my chin out and down, but I can't imagine that would work for a "puffy" upper lip!

Just my 2 cents

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~iii<0 Sean 0>iii~

[ This Message was edited by: sean007r on 2002-04-13 07:55 ]

tim · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2002 8:19 am Post subject:

The air pocket thing in either the top lip or the bottom lip is (in my humble opinion) one of two things.
1. your corners are too weak and are allowing air into your set - very bad!!! This will cut down flexibility, sound and consistency.
2. your chops' way of protecting themselves from pressure between the teeth and the horn - this is straight from Arturo Sandoval. I was watching him during a lesson recently and he was playing stabs on a high E. After the 4th note, he suddenly put a noticable amount of air behind his bottom lip. His sound didn't change and he said that he felt he could put it in and take it out when he wanted to almost like an air bag for his chops...
Just for what it's worth...
Cheers,
Tim

macleod13 · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2002 8:23 pm Post subject:

I also get air pockets, but it has never affected my sound. In fact, when I'm playing very demanding music it gives me added endurance. I don't know... maybe I'm just a freak or something.
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Brian.

maynardwannabe · Regular Member Joined: 20 Apr 2002 Posts: 20

Air pockets used to be a problem in my embouchure, and I'm going to suggest that you either teach yourself to get rid of them, by consciencely pulling the air in when you notice that happening, or building up enough endurance so that your lip won't get that tired.

I don't know how it works on your lower lip, but I've had air pockets in my upper lip SEVERELY effect how my range would go. If I have to sit and play for hours in the middle register, however, I still do it now and then. Its a great little endurance cheat, if you can manage it without damaging your tone. Still, I'd suggest removing the air pockets for safety's sake.