- Form your lips into a small, round orifice by tightly gathering them together.
- Imagine forming a small "O" shape with your mouth.
2. Placement:
- Position the mouthpiece in the center of your pursed lips.
- Make sure the mouthpiece is comfortably resting on both the top and bottom lips.
- Lightly place the mouthpiece on your lips, avoiding excessive pressure.
3. Lip Tension:
- Gently but firmly stretch your lips around the mouthpiece.
- Aim for an even distribution of tension around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece.
4. Corners:
- Pull the corners of your mouth slightly backward.
- This helps to create a better seal between your lips and the mouthpiece.
5. Relaxation:
- While maintaining lip tension, relax the muscles around your mouth and jaw.
- Avoid excessive tightness or tension, as this can affect tone quality and flexibility.
6. Air Direction:
- Direct your air into the mouthpiece with a focused, centered airstream.
- Imagine blowing a gentle breeze through the center of your pursed lips.
Remember that forming a good embouchure requires practice and experimentation to find what works best for you. Regular practice and guidance from a qualified music instructor can help you master the euphonium's mouthpiece technique.