The Basics

Of all the principles covered in "Trumpet Secrets", none is more central and important than understanding the tongue function in forming the strongest and most efficient embouchure. What follows is a list of basic ideas to be learned and mastered.

• Relax the mouth before placing the mouthpiece on the lips. Do not preset the tension.
• Place the downward-pointing tongue tip on the top, inside of the bottom lip.
• Arc the tongue so the top surface of the tongue touches the cutting edge of the top teeth and the bottom, inside of the top lip.
• To "spit-buzz", imagine spitting a hair off the top of the tongue but the hair never leaves the tongue.
• Start by "spit-buzzing" lower scales in one octave ranges, then increase the range.
• Relax the shoulders, arms and neck.
• Keep the teeth wide open so the full width of the tongue can remain between the teeth.
• Maintain a thick and fleshy feel in the lips in all registers.

The top of your tongue should strike the sharp cutting edges of your top teeth. This must be done with the top of your tongue. The tongue should feel this point of contact in about 1" back from the tongue tip. Keep the tip of your tongue on top of your lower lip. Keep spit buzzing; think of spitting a hair off your tongue. Learn to spit buzz low register scales and chords with your tongue in this manner.

Faults to Be Avoided

• Do not squeeze the lips together or pull them in tightly against the teeth.
• Do not push the top lip upward with the bottom lip as if to form a sneer.
• Avoid tightening the mouth corners as in a smile.
• Do not clench the jaw, but instead keep the teeth wide open.
• Do not overblow.
• Do not accept a spread sound.
• Do not allow the tongue to disconnect from the bottom lip, or the pitch will go flat.