Aperture problem?

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zignald
Posts: 1
Joined: Sep 23, 2020

by zignald »

Since the COVID pandemic time…I mostly practice in my apartment with the practice mute.... Last week since I can finally find a place to practice without the mute...I found my sound became airy and lips aren’t really responsive.... I thought it’s because I use a bigger aperture when I play with the practice mute.

What should I do now to get recover? :idk:
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bassboy
Posts: 88
Joined: Jan 02, 2019

by bassboy »

Do you have any Doug Elliott rims lying around? Buzzing on the rim can do things for your playing to clean up the things you mentioned that buzzing on the mouthpiece can't.

Also I've found that I developed some issues with pitch when I spent too much time on the practice mute. If you have some decent speakers, might be a good time to bust out some drones to work on pitch.

Lastly, practice some really short, articulated technical exercises or scales. Playing very short can be a quick way to focus the embouchure and get your corners to do their job(s) better.
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Vegasbound
Posts: 1328
Joined: Jul 06, 2019

by Vegasbound »

Have a lesson with Doug Elliott
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AndrewMeronek
Posts: 1487
Joined: Mar 30, 2018

by AndrewMeronek »

Obviously, more playing without the practice mute. In the location where you've used the mute and (presumably) need to be quiet, just do lots of playing that is all at pianissimo. Soft playing is great for the ol' embouchure, anyway.