Trager Trumpet Talk
presents
Illustrations
of the
Embouchure
copryright 2001-all rights reserved
The expression, "a picture is worth a thousand words", is so very true. I've decided to post some illustrations, and pictures that might "drive home" the point of keeping the lips together. To make these illustrations more effective, I suggest that if you have not read the "How Does It Work?" webpage; read it now. The illustrations will make much more sense.
Unfortunately I do not yet own a digital camera. I did the best I could with the camera I own, and I hope that these various illustrations with explanations help you. LIP POSITION
This is an illustration of an improper "M" lip position and lip buzz. Before you lip buzz (free buzz), the lips need to be in the proper M position. The proper M position is when you feel your lips gripping each other evenly. The sensation is one of two walls coming together, and moving as one.
This is an illustration of how the lips should look when lip buzzing with the lips in the proper "M" lip position. In this illustration, I am buzzing a high C.
In order for the embouchure to function properly, the jaw needs to come foward a at least a millimeter from one's natural bite position. Since my teeth meet evenly, my jaw needs to extend beyond my upper teeth. This jaw position also maintains the M formation, and keeps the lower lip from getting lost behind the upper lip. In other words, you will not experience horizontal lip separation. In the picture below, I'm pulling my jaw inward before I play my first note. This is a faulty set up. Never pull your jaw inward before you play.
Don't "set" by pulling the jaw in.
OH NO! I lost my lower lip, and I can't get up! Ok, I know - bad joke. The point is, that the upper lip will get crushed long before you get above the staff. Remember the lips need to make contact to produce sound. Somehow you're going to need to smash that upper lip with the mouthpiece to get it to make contact with the lower lip. Poor lip!
Now that's much better. By the way, that's my new GR mouthpiece. In this illustration:1- The lips meet evenly.
2- The pressure is kept to a minimum, but is distributed so that the bottom lip receives more pressure than the top lip.
3- The lips are in an M position, and
4- You can see my bottom lip!
SKETCHES
This is a sketch of a classic flat chin upstream player. When a slight foward pucker is utilized, this type of player gains a consistent wide range, focused centered sound, and great control. The common drawback of playing as an upstreamer, has been the lack of control associated with this embouchure. Then again, if you are meant to play this way, you need to find ways to make it work for you. Employing a slight pucker is the answer. 
I feel the need to explain this sketch. The player must begin with his/her lips in the "M" formation. Care must be taken NOT to set the lips in a puckered position before actually playing. The foward pucker is used to give this type of player added security and control. The foward pucker will also benefit players of the other three types(please read "Systems?...Really?...).
I will be adding additional illustrations as they are warranted. Please stop back to this page from time to time.
Sincerely,
Wayne
