Hi Paul,

Welcome to the WW forum!

Removing deeply embedded habits / tendencies takes time–be patient with yourself and hopefully you realize that the fact that you know this is an issue is a very good sign! Being aware of that is very important.

I haven’t dealt with any asymmetric embouchure issues, so I don’t know if I’ll be any help; but I’ll give my $.02 for what it’s worth…

You may, or may not, have an asymmetrical embouchure. And if you do, there may be a reason–your teeth or other physiological factors may make an asymmetrical setup ideal for You.

There are some great players, all time greats, with asymmetrical embouchures. It’s not necessarily a problem.

My recommendation would be to not focus on whether or not it’s symmetrical, but how does it feel and sound? If it feels and sounds good, then it is good.

If you are feeling that you’re having difficulty sounding good or moving from one pitch to another efficiently because your embouchure is out of alignment somehow, then perhaps it’s an issue.

I’ve been having great success focusing on releasing passive air through a relaxed embouchure and observing how it feels sounds and reacting as little as possible / using as little as possible engagement to achieve pitches, change from one pitch to another, etc.

This has helped me to better define Shape for myself–to the point which I’m currently at a new high.

Even when things are going good/great, there are times in which I focus intently on doing as little as possible to change pitch and never cease to be amazed at how little can be required at times.

We must be wary of either extreme:

1. Playing exercises others prescribe for us with little or no thought / observation as to why we are playing the exercises, leaving our success or failure in the hands of our teacher(s) or the author of the method

2. Over analysis paralysis – Overthinking every movement we make, wondering what each movement is correct or is THE problem or part of our problem(s) playing that are keeping us from achieving what we desire.

You’re most likely in neither extreme, but I have been in both at times and still fight it.

Focusing my attention on using a less is more (the “1% rule”) approach and making sure to check-in with myself and play music each day to keep me honest and not get discouraged by not giving myself credit for what I CAN do and not descending into “Gladiator Trumpet” mode in which I mindlessly / endlessly play scales, harmonic slurs, test my range, etc. What good is any of that if it’s not for music?

Those are my thoughts, for what it’s worth. Good luck and keep us posted on how things go–wishing you much success working through things.