3.12 Chapter 3 Summary
Week 3 Summary
In this lesson, we explored the foundational techniques and concepts essential for teaching and playing brass instruments. We began by examining the physical mechanics of sound production on brass instruments, emphasizing the importance of buzzing and the role of the embouchure in creating a focused and resonant tone. We learned how to properly hold the instruments and suggested adjustments for smaller players. We delved deeper into refining and expanding skills on brass instruments. Key adjustments for playing across different registers were highlighted, such as dropping the jaw and increasing the oral cavity for low notes, and using a higher tongue arch and smaller aperture to navigate the high range effectively. Understanding these principles not only improves individual performance but also equips educators with strategies to address common student challenges.
Finally, we connected these brass fundamentals to broader concepts, such breathing techniques and the role of the tongue in articulation. Various metaphors were offered to help students better understand the concepts. By combining a solid understanding of brass mechanics with thoughtful teaching strategies, educators are better prepared to guide their students in building strong foundations that will support their growth as musicians.
Looking Ahead to Class
Please come prepared to practice teaching a brass students. If you play a brass instrument, please bring your instrument, extra mouthpieces, mutes, and any other practice equipment you'd like to share with the class.
More Resources
- https://www.hornmatters.com
- http://www.bandworld.org/html/Taming_Files/Taming_the_Tuba/Embouchure.html
- Lip Trill Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29231954/
Sources
- Philip Farkas, The Art of Brass Playing (Wind Music, 1962)
- Kristian Steenstrup, Teaching Brass, 2nd ed. (Royal Academy of Music Aarhus, 2007)
- Fergus McWilliam, Blow Your Own Horn! (De Haske, 2012)
- Murray Campbell, Arnold Myers, and Joël Gilbert, Sounding Brass: Brasswind Instruments and How They Work (Springer Nature, 2025)
- David McGill, Sound in Motion: A Performer’s Guide to Greater Musical Expression (Indiana University Press, 2007)
- The First Lesson (YouTube)
- Trumpet Instructional Video (YouTube)
- MRI Chamber Music with Sarah Willis (YouTube)
- The Pivot (YouTube)
- Douglas Yeo — MRI: Fast Double Tongue (YouTube)
- MRI Slow Trill — Brass Lip Trill Tongue Movement (YouTube)
- Brass Exercises and Etudes (Google Sheet)
- Horn Hangouts — Sarah Willis
- Horn Matters
- Horn Society — Healthy Horn Habits (Epstein)
- Horn Society — Horn Excerpts
- Horn Opera Project
- Orchestra Excerpts
- Embouchures — Young Player FAQ
- Bandworld — Taming the Tuba: Embouchure
- Brass Chats Podcast
- Lip Trill Research (PubMed)
- Italian Brass Week — YouTube Playlist