Corners again and the leak

[timothy42b]

I've re-read the entire "firm corners" thread and it triggered a thought.

Sometimes I get a quick squirt of air out of the corner when doing a register change, especially an octave lip slur. It's a short leak and not loud, but if I'm paying attention I can hear it. I've heard it in other players, some of them advanced.

Firmer corners seems to prevent that. But is that the test? Corners (under the lip) should be firm enough to stop that leak? Or is that leak unrelated - more a function of correct pressure, angle, tongue, whatever?

Or is it even not a fault at all?

[sterb225]

Since softening from a more muscular approach I notice leaks from time to time when heading into the stratosphere ... interested to see what others have to say.

[Doug Elliott]

Tim, you may be letting the mouthpiece pressure off as you make the slur, and that's what's causing the leak.

[timothy42b]

Tim, you may be letting the mouthpiece pressure off as you make the slur, and that's what's causing the leak.

I will pay close attention to this and see.

[Steve335]

I have a similar issue. When I play quiet or in certain registers I get an airy sound. I am an experienced player but I know this is something I could tidy up. I’ve tried long quiet notes, and I’m experimenting with what Doug said about the mouthpiece pressure. I do find some mouthpieces clear up my sound more than others. I suppose with some I am getting a better seal.
It’s defin something I’d like to “fix”.

[BeardedPicc]

Is it normal for the corners to become more relaxed when lose firmness when descending, especially into the lower middle to low register?

[Redthunder]

Is it normal for the corners to become more relaxed when lose firmness when descending, especially into the lower middle to low register?

More relaxed - yes. Collapse completely - no. The latter is a common thing a lot of players who struggle with the lower register may do to compensate. It took me a long time to figure out how to descend correctly without collapsing. Once I did I can’t believe how much my playing in all registers improved.

[trombonedemon]

Do lip slurs from the bottom of the horn to the top of the horn in all 7 positions. Slowly, quietly, and with a tuner. Then buzz the same in the mouthpiece. Let us know of your progress!