IIIA/IIIB

[Doug Elliott]

I have seen a few cases where I couldn't decide either. In lessons I do quite a bit of testing various ways to make sure which it is. Sometimes (one very recently) the pivot appears to actually work horizontally and not vertically, which is probably a result of particular teeth structure. As with a more normal IIIA or IIIB pivot, go with what works.

What I DON'T do is say "IIIB for now" which can be destructive if you're wrong. It's better to NOT pivot and concentrate on doing everything else correctly. Eventually the correct pivot may become more evident on its own... I've seen that happen a few times, and it ended up IIIA.

[jicetp]

How best to find one's own 'pivot' ?

I find that with some mouthpiece playing, I dont have the old habits I have while holding/playing the trumpet, and my ' pivot ' seems more pronounced with just the mouthpiece.
Kind of like when buzzing the mpce, I 'follow ' my ' inner track' as opposed to when I hold the horn, my ' used to ' playing position takes the lead.

I dont know if my description is correct, and I konw I used to many ' ' in my sentences.....

Best

JiCe

[Doug Elliott]

Well... Yes and no.
I don't think the "pivot" that occurs when buzzing the mouthpiece is necessarily the same as what I would find in testing you. Most often when I see someone doing mouthpiece buzzing, what they are doing is unrelated to their actual correct pivot.

And finding your own pivot? Most players misdiagnose themselves.

[BeboppinFool]

[jicetp]

I think that's a great idea.

Thanks