Bad lip ring while playing etudes/concertos

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Atoastedtrmb
Posts: 12
Joined: Mar 07, 2025

by Atoastedtrmb »

So basically, I get a big 'ol red lip ring whenever I play any sort of extended musical etudes (the longer rochuts) or concertos. I remember the Rimsky-Korsakov gave me some trouble by the time the third movement rolled around, and especially with the last variation in Blue Bells; I don't think I've ever walked away from that without a quite noticeable lip ring. I was just wondering what could be the cause of this? I try to consciously relax and not use too much mouthpiece pressure while playing, but it still appears despite that, so I may just not be doing a good enough job in that department. I've also noticed it is a tad more pronounced when high notes (C5 +) appear more than once in a longer piece. Any and all suggestion would be welcome, thanks! :D
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hyperbolica
Posts: 3990
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by hyperbolica »

Yeah, that's gonna happen. It's not necessarily a problem. If you play enough, it will be visible even when you don't play.
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Atoastedtrmb
Posts: 12
Joined: Mar 07, 2025

by Atoastedtrmb »

Yeah, it’s pretty much permanently on me now. My parents always ask me if there is a way to get rid of it, idk.
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Jimprindle
Posts: 103
Joined: Apr 16, 2018

by Jimprindle »

My wife has always called it the kissing target.
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hyperbolica
Posts: 3990
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by hyperbolica »

[quote="Atoastedtrmb"]Yeah, it’s pretty much permanently on me now. My parents always ask me if there is a way to get rid of it, idk.[/quote]

Grow a mustache? Makeup? I had one in high school. Helped identify me as an Alpha Band Geek. Do you have a callous on the middle knuckle of your middle finger yet?

Trombone players are better kissers because their lips are smooth from the mouthpiece constantly removing dead skin.
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Atoastedtrmb
Posts: 12
Joined: Mar 07, 2025

by Atoastedtrmb »

I have calluses all over my hands from lifting and working, so I wouldn't know if playing made it any worse. Never heard that about the kissing though :mrgreen:
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tbdana
Posts: 1928
Joined: Apr 08, 2023

by tbdana »

[quote="Jimprindle"]My wife has always called it the kissing target.[/quote]

Awwwwwww!!!! That's sweet! :)