Thank you John for another of your ramblings. They are always welcome, thought provoking and down to earth. I get told off for over analysing but I enjoy every minute.
Keep them coming, I always get some useful nugget.
Kind regards
Colin

Thanks John
Fortunately I am having a similar epiphany and everything is starting to feel easier.
Also I must admit to not sticking strictly to Greg’s method, dipping in and out. The shape thing and aperture corners have been such an important change in my methodology and with less mouthpiece pressure is enabling me to move throughout the range…[Read more]

Enjoy

I bought an 8335 this year and it is wonderful.
I had a look at the reviews of 6335 on Trumpet Herald forum and lots of positive comments.
I also had a look on YouTube. Type in Yamaha 6335 and several videos are available.
I personally think it is best for beginners to go for a decent trumpet from the start.
My brass band lends out high end…[Read more]

Fascinating analysis, thank you. I will experiment some more – with eyes closed. It is all so complex.

Great idea. I will try and make it. I’m in UK.
I think Zoom has a time limit of about 40 minutes for the free version. This might be be a problem if Greg is chipping in!! As we are all aware his enthusiasm often means he gets carried away.
Cheers, Colin

I am no expert but will add my observations. I am often accused of overthinking everything about my playing micro-scrutinizing every note. I love to do it and it is paying off. We more mature comeback players tend to take a more considered approach to playing.

Firstly the wet lips. I cannot play if I have not wet my lips. I do it without…[Read more]

Wow, unlucky you.
I have experienced a very mild version of what you describe. If I have a really heavy day and get carried away the next few days can be a disaster. Sometimes it makes me feel like giving up

I think what you are describing is Embouchure Overuse Syndrome – search for “Embouchure Overuse Syndrome in Brass Players by Lucinda…[Read more]

Hi Tom
Interesting that you have revisited the Charlie Porter embouchure. I went through the same exercise earlier this year having bought his booklet about 2 years ago and watched the video several times. I also tried the ‘closed’ aperture approach discussed frequently by Pops McLaughlin. Both seemed to make some sense although I struggled…[Read more]

I’m glad you found videos helpful. I’ve now started to popping the odd G above the G on top of stave. Quite a pleasant surprise!
Keep at it.
Cheers Colin

Thank you John for another very full response.
It is all making good sense.
I have been concentrating on separating air from the pitch and it is slowly sinking into my rather old brain. Clearly differentiating between passive and active air and the smooth transition between the two is starting to work.
However, my articulation from the top of the…[Read more]

I have found that getting the C, third space, is harder than the G. I jump (pop) straight from F to G top line and find it difficult to get notes in between. About 6 months ago it was hit and miss getting that G but now it is consistent since using shape rather than air pressure. I spend at least 30 minutes a day for 3 weeks trying to get second…[Read more]

John, your approach sounds very similar to my own. I need focus and be more structured. I came back to playing just over 3 years ago and at school was a mouth pressure lad. A 40+ year break did not get rid of memories of how I used to play.
I have got rid of most of the old ways but they still creep in especially when I am in exposed position.
I…[Read more]

Thank you Brian and John for your well thought out replies.

I have done some playing around with tongue arch and notice that when I use the ‘ee’ vowel (without the trumpet) the lips tend towards the smile which I want to avoid. If I try the ‘tsss’ (with trumpet) the note normally stops immediately.

I have learned so much from the forum and…[Read more]

Hi Ronalf
A great reply making a lot of very important points about air control. The most useful one was stopping air with vocal folds. All of a sudden I have learned how to ‘feel’ and control throat opening/closing.
Thank you
Colin