Posted by Richard on June 24, 2003 at 09:23:22:
In Reply to: Smiling Embouchure posted by Not Happy on June 24, 2003 at 05:56:52:
Yeah, smiles are not always cheerful, are they? You have set your self an important, challenging but doable task. Merely focusing on the new embouchure shape will not do the trick, as you have probably already discovered. Be aware of two other elements that will support new embouchure shape: air and openness. Start any embouchure work with breathing exercises, a-la Pilafian and Sheridan's Breathing Gym. As you set up the airstream, be sure of having a relaxed, open throat (to open the throat, relax--don't stretch), a large oral cavity, with the teeth well separated, like saying "oh" or "whoa." Then, add the mouthpiece and continue deep breathing and blowing. Notice how the mouthpiece feels on the face as you blow--it's light, with almost no pressure. That's how it should feel as you buzz and play. Probably, if you have a smile embouchure, you are using too much pressure on your top lip. Start with the simplest, easiest buzz possible--don't go for massive sound yet, just good air flow, openness, and light touch. Then gradually add more challenging buzzing work.
Also, be sure your horn position contributes to using a light mouthpiece touch on the top lip. The angle of the leadpipe coming from your embouchure should point slightly downward.
All of this will contribute to developing an embouchure that will be happy but not smiling--good luck!!