Assembled Mouthpiece & Barrel
To make our first sounds, we will begin with just the mouthpiece and the barrel. We will add the rest of the clarinet back on soon.
If your clarinet is already assembled, carefully remove the bell, lower joint, upper joint and place them back in the case to keep them protected.
To make our first sounds, we will begin with just the mouthpiece and the barrel. We will add the rest of the clarinet back on soon.
If your clarinet is already assembled, carefully remove the bell, lower joint, upper joint and place them back in the case to keep them protected.
Go Tigers!!!
Casa Roble High School
& Pasteur Middle School
Go Rams!!!
Let's Make Noise
Mouthpiece Parts
To make our first sounds, we will begin with just the mouthpiece. We will add the rest of the trumpet back on soon. The diagram to the right identifies the parts of the mouthpiece for you.
Leave the trumpet in the case to keep it protected while you work with the mouthpiece.
Buzzing on the Mouthpiece- Your First Sound!!!
The trumpet embouchure is shaped to create a 'buzz' in the mouthpiece. Without a proper buzz, no sound will come out of the trumpet. The video to the right demonstrates how to get a proper buzz and what it sounds like.
Your turn now! Follow the steps below- good luck!!!
Light Grip
Fist Grip
The Grip
For our beginning sounds, we will grip the instrument by the shank. You may use a light grip like the picture to the left or with a fist like the picture on the right.
If you use the fist grip, be sure to not cover the rim (pic on the left) and the very bottom of the shank (pic on the right).
Embouchure
Embouchure is the shape of your mouth used to play the instrument. Everyone is shaped differently and will place their mouth slightly different on the instrument, however, the basic embouchure shape will be similar for everyone.
Step 1: Find a mirror to look at yourself in as you find the correct placement. Your smartphone or computer in selfie-mode will also work.
Step 2: You will begin with your mouth closed in a relaxed position.
Step 3: Place the mouthpiece in the center of your lips with half of the mouthpiece on your top lip and half on your lower lip.
Step 4: leave the mouthpiece pressed lightly against your lips while you slightly open your lips and take a large breath.
Step 5: Lightly close your lips once your lungs are full.
Step 6: Blow the air out forcefully and allow your lips to buzz as the air passes through them. You may have to try many times before you are able to get your lips to buzz.
Take a break if you feel light headed, then return after a few minutes and try again.
Remember, aim for a loud, bright sound and use lots of air.
Buzz Examples
Repeat step 6 until you are able to sustain an even sound for 4 seconds.
Once you are able to sustain sound on the mouthpiece, then move on to hand position.