1.1 Embouchure and Mouthpiece Placement
GOALS: Form embouchure/ Buzz on the mouthpiece / Breathe through corners
Use only the mouthpiece today
Form the embouchure say ‘emmm’, place the index finger in the center of the lips and gently blow, release the air by saying ‘puuu’ to blow the finger away from the lips. This creates a small aperture. This ‘emm & puuu’ puts the lips and jaw into the correct position. The jaw will not be closed, there will be a small space between the upper and lower teeth. Repeat several times.
Center the mouthpiece on the lips, 1/2 upper and 1/2 lower lip, blow air through the mouthpiece.
Find optimal mouthpiece pressure with the embouchure formed as described above, have the student take in a good breath and release the air with ’puuu’. If there isn’t a buzz, have the student gently increase the pressure of the mouthpiece against the lips.
NOTE: This initial step is the most challenging part of teaching beginning trumpet online. When in person, the teacher can simply and effectively hold the mouthpiece and gradually add pressure, facilitating the mouthpiece buzz. Having the student perform this task takes a little more time, so be patient and be very excited and encouraging when any quality of mouthpiece buzz is produced.
Repeat these steps - breathe in - say ‘emmm’ - place mouthpiece - exhale with ‘puuu’
Teach Breathing inhale through the corners of the mouth while keeping the mouthpiece on the lips and maintaining mouthpiece pressure.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Breathing: in for 1 and out for 4 (use a tissue to show air direction)
Stretching and movement, including moving the mouth (making faces)
FINISH Play something on your trumpet for the student. Make it simple and recognizable