TromboneChat

Hello, My name is Sameer and I play Bass Trombone

Recently, while playing, I discovered that a stream of air is leaking out of the right side of my lips in the register below Bb 2. I have had this problem for months now trying to figure out a solution. It has impacted my writing ability and drastically weakened my lower register playing.

I try to think about tightening the corners of my embouchure but it has only worked for me on free buzzing, and when I introduce it to the horn it feels impossible to do.

Any help would be appreciated. I attached an unlisted YouTube video of me articulating Gb and F below the staff, with a practice mute, as it is late where I am right now. https://youtube.com/shorts/RejBerL5MQE?feature=share

Thank you,
Sameer

The practice mute makes it a bit hard to really tell what's going on, and the increased back pressure is going to cause it to leak more anyway.

There are a few adjustments I would have you do, or at least try. I hesitate to get into it without actually working with you by Skype... but here goes:

1. I think you're setting the mouthpiece with your lips slightly too open, which puts them in a potential leaky position to start. Slow everything down so you can be more aware of what you're doing, in slow motion.

2. Try inhaling slowly, by pulling your corners slightly farther back than you are, then pushing them slightly farther forward than you are. That will help create more of a seal in the corners.

In other words, instead of trying to close the corner that's leaking, start in a more closed position, then after inhaling push forward to create a sealed cushion against the rim.

And mostly you need to slow down, and back off the volume. You're trying to push too hard, and it will blow back.

There are some other things I'd get into if you're interested in a lesson.

I agree with Doug. Stop using the practice mute and spend a lot more of your practice time playing softly. Use a mirror to see how you are taking breaths, and also use the mirror to observe your downward slurs, especially from 3rd to 2nd partial. Keep your corners engaged during those slurs.

Sometimes it helps to surround the slur with repeated soft articulations - I find this helps keep the corners where I want them. In other words, play a middle F no louder than mp, play 3 or 4 legato-ish articulations of the F, slur down to Bb in rhythm, and then play 3 or 4 repeated Bbs the same way. E to A, Eb to Ab, etc.

Take a lesson with Doug over Skype. He has been incredibly helpful to me and to my students, and he will give you practical advice for your specific issue.

I would love to take a lesson with you, Doug Elliott

Thank you for the help so far, I have been experimenting with it today and will update you all.