When preparing to perform a solo or a whole recital, there are a lot of factors that motivate our practice. To have a polished end product we meticulously learn notes, rhythms, and technique, with metronomes, recording devices, and more. And, if you are like me, I practice getting through the complete solo or program to make sure I have enough endurance.
What is the right answer! For me, I always let sound lead. Are you ready for the big HOWEVER?
What beginner mouthpiece sizes did our Denis Wick Buzz commnunity use as young musicians? While there is a lot of variety scattered throughout, standards like the 7C for trumpet and 12C for trombone were the most popular. If you're curious, see the complete list here.
The rim of the mouthpiece has a large effect on comfort. In addition to comfort, the contour of the rim does have effect on your performance flexibility between partials and range. Before we answer this question, let me preface this that all statements about what a mouthpiece will or won't do for you are merely a place to start. If you want support in your range, you might look towards finding a smaller diameter or shallower cup. However, after trying a smaller shallower mouthpiece, you may find that you actually prefer a smaller diameter with a deeper cup, or wider diameter with a shallower cup... or none of the above! Based on the sound you want to create, your facial anatomy, and a host of other variables, you may not fit solidly into a mouthpiece "rule of thumb" but having a place to start your search is key.
When we think about cup depth of a brass instrument mouthpiece, we generally think about how they will affect the sound. Generally, a large cup will provide a dark sound, where a shallow cup will produce a brighter more projecting sound. Is sound the only thing that the cup affects, though? We recently polled our Denis Wick community with this question: Does the cup depth affect articulation? Each player is different, and while we here at Denis Wick have some specific ideas about how the right cup contour can assist your performance, we also realize each player has their own experience with this, and feels support from a mouthpiece in different areas.
This installment of Brass Advantage was written for music teachers faced with the daunting task of choosing students to switch to tuba to facilitate the orchestration of their band as well as tuba players seeking advice and counsel from a professional tuba player to improve their performance qualities.
Is it as simple as find a "high note mouthpiece" or the "endurance" mouthpiece, put it in the instrument and you'll have better range/endurance? How do we prepare to play the "tools" in our mouthpiece bag that are not necessarily home base for us? Denis Wick trumpet artists Josh Rzepka, Preston Bailey, Chris O'Hara, and Arnetta Johnson have some thoughts for you if you're looking for an answer! Here is a clip of our recent webinar "It's got to be the mouthpiece... or does it?".
Playing by ear and working in groups form the foundations of both my teaching and practice. In this article I look to explain why I think it holds so much value and how I think anyone can improve their enjoyment of playing with some time spent playing without music each week, with even more success if you can find others to play with too.
Learn about what triggered Denis Wick to #transform2perform throughout his life as a student, teacher, performer, and manufacturer in this interview with denis, hosted by Ian Bousfield.
Summer is a great time to look for a new mouthpiece. Adjusting to a new mouthpiece can take a little time, and the summer provides just that. Since a mouthpiece will not teach you to play higher, lower, louder, or softer, the summer is also a great time to hone your skills in these areas. Stay tuned to the Buzz in the upcoming weeks for tips and advice in these areas.
As every teacher knows, a good tone on any brass instrument needs a properly set-up embouchure; these days one may assume that the young player will have a reasonable instrument and a sensible mouthpiece. To this one could add what many teachers would regard as the most important of all – good breath control.
Reflecting on the many discussions I’ve had, I’ve come to realize that there is a moral code to trying
Your mouthpiece is a relationship of measurements, joined together to support you. Understanding the terminology and relationship is key to finding the right mouthpiece.
Mouthpiece trials can be a dangerous sport! While we don’t suggest wearing a helmet, there are some steps you can take that will protect the sensitive area of your lips and muscles from damage. Follow the steps below and you should be able to walk out of your trial session unscathed and hopefully with a new mouthpiece!
"Why would you choose to play an instrument with a mouthpiece the size of a coin...?" asks Denis Wick Products' Mary Galime. Here is Denis Wick artist Chris O'Hara's answer.
What is the last thing you think about before getting on stage for a big performance, and what is the first thing you think of after the performance? This is the essence of what we learn as we #transform2perform throughout our musical lives. Find out what Denis Wick artist Chris O'Hara approaches the before and after of every performance in this Transform to Perform interview.
Every professional musician has a moment where they stop thinking like a student and start thinking like a pro. Denis Wick artist Chris O'Hara shares this moment in his life and the path that he has taken ever since.
When you look for a good trombone mouthpiece, are you searching for a specific size or sound - which is more important. Find out what Denis Wick artist Carl Lundgren has to say about it in this #transform2perform interview.
When does a student actually gain the title of professional? Is it the job that is won, or the moment you become a teacher? Denis Wick artist Carl Lundgren talks instead about the mentality of a pro vs. a student that makes all the difference.
In this #transform2pereform interview, Carl talks about the beginning inspirations that led him to playing the trombone.
In this #transform2perform interview with Evan Clifton, Evan discusses how at the height of his trombone abilities, he woke up one morning and lost it all. Eventually the culprit was diagnosed to be focal dystonia, and Evan began a long journey to recovery that included the biggest physical, mental, and emotional challenges of his life.
In this #transform2perform interview with Evan Clifton, Evan discusses how to keep students inspired to continue learning, prevent them from quitting, and keep them and himself creatively inspired.
In this #transform2perform interview with Evan Clifton, Evan discusses what sparked his interest in the trombone and what it was that inspired him to continue learning through many years of school.
