TromboneChat

I am currently playing in my highschool jazz band and pep band and for the last few weeks my low b flat always makes an unintentional multiphonic noise and sounds like I am playing low b flat and the pedal B flat below it on my trombone. Does anyone know what could be causing the issue and/or any solutions to it?

That sounds like a split tone - where your upper and lower lip vibrates at different speeds. I'd recommend making sure you're using equal pressure on the mouthpiece and to make sure your lower jaw isn't pushing out. If that doesn't fix it, a lesson with someone in person or online can be helpful. Best of luck!

WilliamLang wrote: ↑Mon Oct 02, 2023 7:33 pm That sounds like a split tone - where your upper and lower lip vibrates at different speeds. I'd recommend making sure you're using equal pressure on the mouthpiece and to make sure your lower jaw isn't pushing out. If that doesn't fix it, a lesson with someone in person or online can be helpful. Best of luck!

Okay thanks for the help!

I'm only guessing without seeing it, but usually when that happens, the bottom lip is uncontrolled and coming out too far. Try pulling it in a little bit and firming it. That should clean up the sound.

Playing uncontrollably can do that especially in marching band and pep band settings where dynamics and tonality isn't the main focus. Back to the basics. Like Doug said, firming up that embouchure should help, getting there by playing extremely slow long tones and lip slurs. Resting frequently between exercises.

A good solution, have a lesson with Doug!