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Originally Posted by duval  How can I reduce the pressure I am using? I don't have great teeth, and they are getting worse as I use too much pressure on my face? I try by simply pulling the horn off my face, bur then my sound goes awful... |
Using too much mouthpiece pressure is a sign of trying to use mouthpiece pressure to compensate for weak embouchure while trying to play one's highest notes very loudly. Because your embouchure is weak, you are using the mouthpiece pressure to pin your lips together when the muscles are unable to hold the lips together.
Suppose your highest note is a High F, but you can play High C easily with minimal mouthpiece pressure.
Try playing scales very *softly* up to High C using *minimal* pressure, even holding those notes for long periods (long tones).
You will probably get the same muscle burn in your lips that weightlifters get in their arms and legs. Rest a while when you feel that burn.
After a few weeks of that your embouchure should be much stronger.
Then you can gradually increase how high you play and how loudly you play, because your embouchure will be strong enough to play high and loud without needing increased mouthpiece pressure.
ChaseFan