Swollen and weakened embouchure

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WineCDR
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Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:24 am
Location: Central Texas, Adirondack Mtns

Swollen and weakened embouchure

Post by WineCDR »

I have played tenor trombone on and off for 50 years. Now that I am retired, I am putting more time into practicing - using the warm-up routine from Alessi Music Studio and the "Arban's in an Hour" article by Eric Iles. Maddeningly, my embouchure seems weaker now that I am playing an average of 2 hours a day than when I only played a couple of hours a week. My upper lip at times seems slightly reddened and swollen, and when playing I struggle with slotting anything higher than an F above the staff. I play principal trombone with a community orchestra, and our next concert includes Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries (yikes!). How should I strengthen my embouchure without slashing my practice time?
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Doug Elliott
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Location: Maryand

Re: Swollen and weakened embouchure

Post by Doug Elliott »

You can't "strengthen your embouchure" when you're doing things incorrectly for your face - the things that are causing the swelling. And it's pretty typical for it to happen when you play more instead of less.

This is the exact stuff that I teach in Skype lessons. How to play correctly for your particular embouchure and physical setup. It's not a matter of strength.
"I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two."
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WineCDR
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Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:24 am
Location: Central Texas, Adirondack Mtns

Re: Swollen and weakened embouchure

Post by WineCDR »

Doug, I am interested in a Skype lesson. How can I contact you to discuss this?
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Doug Elliott
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Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:12 pm
Location: Maryand

Re: Swollen and weakened embouchure

Post by Doug Elliott »

Sent you an email.
"I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two."
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