Embouchure
- Form and establish an appropriate and functional embouchure suitable for the particular instrument, with relaxed lips supported by the corners of the mouth:
- gradually strengthening their embouchure
- Slur notes
Suggested range for Programme of Study 1:
Horns and tubas, in particular, should begin to explore notes below middle C.
Ask learners to explore sounds, e.g. emergency vehicle siren, car, motorbike, cuckoo, produced by buzzing their lips, with and without the mouthpiece.
Ask learners to buzz a sustained, consistent sound with their lips, with the mouthpiece and with the instrument, e.g. by playing long note competitions.
Help learners to form a firm embouchure that is appropriate to the individual and the instrument, free from excessive pressure. Ensure that the mouthpiece is placed in the centre of the mouth on the horizontal axis. Be aware of learners’ individual physical characteristics and make adaptations as appropriate.
Learners should be encouraged to relax.
Ask learners to play rhythmic patterns on one note, maintaining a consistent sound, e.g. copying rhythmic patterns, playing call-and-response or echo games.
Invite learners to explore higher and lower notes from the harmonic series, e.g. creating ‘fanfares’ on two notes.
When using rhythmic games, try to keep a regular pulse, perhaps using a backing track.
Set the task of improvising a piece, e.g. entitled ‘Slime’, using lip and valve slurs. This activity can be extended by introducing chromatic notes within the range.
Encourage learners to play lip slurs at different speeds.
Ensure that learners practise tunes of extended length to help develop stamina, e.g. rounds, multiple verses, at different dynamics and speeds.
Ask learners to play tunes on the mouthpiece, e.g. TV themes.
Tuba players may need to be encouraged to sigh rather than buzz!
Introduce slurs between open harmonics in call-and-response or echo games, and in warm-up patterns.
Encourage learners to use a mirror to check embouchure and mouthpiece placement.
Video-recording could also be used for this purpose, but it is vital to check the policy of the school or other organisation you are working in with regards to any form of recording. Children must never be videoed without parental consent and all policies regarding use and storage of recordings must be adhered to.
Explore the progression of this Learning Objective
Continue exploring the current Programme of Study
