Hardnut

I have been playing the trumpet for some time now, and am hoping to take grade 8 next year. Unfortunately, my practising has left a permanent mark from the mouthpiece on my top lip. I was wondering if anyone else has had similar problems and knows of any way to help (but not makeup/ lipstick: I`m a guy!). Thanks!

I assume it is there because I am using too much pressure and any suggestions on how to use less pressure would be fantastic!

Chris.

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Haydn wrote a Trumpet Concerto?

Manny Laureano

My best tip would be is to learn to combine using as much air as possible (yes, even if it leaks out the sides a bit) and practicing very softly at the same time. It'll make a huge difference.

ML

Hardnut

Thanks for the sugestion! At risk of sounding extremely stupid...how do I do this?

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Haydn wrote a Trumpet Concerto?

Solar Bell

Did someone say too much pressure???

Like I use??


Mine won't ever go away!

-cw-

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Chuck Willard
The Willard of Oz

"Don't be afraid to see what you see."
Ronald Reagan

rowuk

The "beating" that the lips take is twofold. A RING as big as the outside diameter of the mouthpiece could be attributed to pressure. The circle-as in Solar Bells picture seems to be the vibrating surface INSIDE the mouthpiece (remember the lips are "compressed" somewhat when playing to increase their density, raising the resonant frequency to the pitches required). That piece of meat takes a real beating. It is the sound generator, reponsible for what we hear. The red is of course, blood flowing through vessels. Bruises from too much pressure hurt-even after a couple of hours rest.
Warming down after a long night (soft, long tones, low register) seems to help me minimize this.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

Solar Bell

Well, this picture was right after a 4 set big band gig. Playing lead.

My lips never hurt and the ring is ALWAYS with me, even after a couple days of not playing.

It is not always this red, but you can always tell I play trumpet.

-cw-

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Chuck Willard
The Willard of Oz

"Don't be afraid to see what you see."
Ronald Reagan

Tootsall

Chuck... if I had a hickey like that I think I'd grow a mustache.




Wait... I DO have a mustache! LOL

Hardnut

Hehe thanks for the help guys!

Are there any simple steps I can take to try and reduce the amount of pressure I use; I would say that cutting the inside of your lip open on your own teeth is a pretty hefty indication that something needs to be done!

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Haydn wrote a Trumpet Concerto?

mike ansberry

I don't know anyone who plays a lot that does't have a permanent ring on their lips. I was at a Severinsen concert in Dallas years ago and got to go backstage. After the concert Doc walked over to me and said, "so you play trumpet too". I think of the ring as a brand of honor.

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"Music is a fire in your belly that has to come out of your mouth, so you'd better put a horn in the way before someone gets hurt" (paraphrase of Bleeding Gums Murphy)

rowuk

Manny had the best self-help tips.
My students use too much pressure when they try things that they are not ready for. Solving this generally requires outside help. Try and find a teacher that can work with you on this.
If you use force for range or endurance, it really doesn't matter, there is not enough air moving. Back off on your public performances for a while and work hard on getting your chops together.
Air is always the # 1, #2 and #3 priority

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.