duval

I have a fair overbite and I realised a few days ago (after 10 years of playing) that as I go up the register my front teeth seem to protrude more so that when I get to about fourth space Eb my top teeth are touching my bottom lip. I feel this is stopping everything from working... sound, range, articulation. With a push, I can take myself up to the D above high C but it is with a pinched sound and is not particulary comfortable. Have you any advice on how I might correct this?

Thanks very much,
David

Jerry Freedman

Find a Reinhardt style teacher for help.

stchasking

Go to an orthodontist and get your teeth straightened. It is the right thing to do for your overall health for the rest of your life.

Personal foul: Replying before the trumpetmaster. Sorry.

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duval

I already went through two years of orthodontics... correcting squint teeth and overbite...both have since returned .

duval

Sorry to double post, but...
I've done a bit of looking online at Reinhardt... firstly it makes me realise that there are many brass players with slight overbite and I don't consider myself particularly extreme. For a while I thought I was done for, but a lot of this stuff makes me think I just need to make sure my embouchure doesn't change too much as I go up.

ecarroll

David,

I certainly can't recommend much over an internet forum without actually seeing you play, but can say with absolute certainty that the human jaw is an amazing piece of engineering. It allows us to grossly over/underbite and swallow whole eggs, if necessary (I heartily suggest passing on all three).

Our corners control these adverse effects, allowing the embouchure to remain stable. My guess (and, again, not much more can be determined here) is that weak corners are allowing you to roll your top lip over your bottom as you ascend, causing the buzz to stop. What does your teacher say about your corners?

Best,
EC

duval

My teacher often comments that I must try not to 'smile' while ascending. To try to fix this, he has given me the Stamp warmups. I also work on Caruso and do the pencil exercise to strengthen up... I still find it extremely difficult to hold the corners.

Firestas'1

Building corner strength is like weightlifting, it takes time. Keep working on what your teacher gives you and in time you will build the necessary strength.

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Stan J.

What is to reach the heart must come from above. If it does not, it will be nothing but notes, body without spirit.
--Ludwig van Beethoven

Music is God's best gift to man. The only art of heaven given to earth, the only art of earth we take to heaven.
--Letitia Elizabeth Landon

Bloomin Untidy Musician

[quote=duval;368160]I have a fair overbite and I realised a few days ago (after 10 years of playing) that as I go up the register my front teeth seem to protrude more so that when I get to about fourth space Eb my top teeth are touching my bottom lip. I feel this is stopping everything from working... sound, range, articulation. With a push, I can take myself up to the D above high C but it is with a pinched sound and is not particulary comfortable. Have you any advice on how I might correct this?

Thanks very much,
David[/quote


Hello David


Just a note to say that i had exactly the same problem several years ago and i have managed to resolve the situation by working on lots of pedals, flexibilities, and reassessing my single tongue position.
I discovered that my single tongue was striking quite far back on the roof of my mouth, thus making it extremely tense for fast tonguing and as i have also discovered, encouraging an overbite. Since i have relaxed the position of the single tongue, and started striking the roots of my front teeth, i have found that my overbite has nearly all but disappeared.
Although it is always difficult to say without seeing, but in my opinion i think you should look at how your "internal embouchure" works before doing anything drastic. I think disciplined, patient, and thoughtful practice around the "internal embouchure" might help.
Although i am not a pro. it is my opinion for what it is worth.

ecarroll

BUM,

You may not be a "pro", but this is exactly the process that I would have taken you through. Bravo. . . well done, mate.

Best,
EC