A Scientific Characterization of Trumpet Mouthpiece Forces in the Context of Pedagogical Brass Literature

Embouchure dysfunctions, including those from acute injury to the obicularis oris muscle, represent potential and serious occupational health problems for trumpeters. Forces generated between the mouthpiece and lips, generally a result of how a trumpeter plays, are believed to be the origin for such problems. In response to insights gained from new technologies that are currently being used to measure mouthpiece forces, belief systems and teaching methodologies may need to change in order to resolve possible conflicting terminology, pedagogical instructions, and performance advice. As a basis for such change, the purpose of this study was to investigate, develop and propose an operational definition of mouthpiece forces applicable to trumpet pedagogy. The methodology for this study included an analysis of writings by selected brass pedagogues regarding mouthpiece force. Finding were extracted, compared, and contrasted with scientifically derived mouthpiece force concepts developed from scientific studies including one done at the UNT Texas Center for Music & Medicine. Results characterized five mouthpiece force principles as the basis for an operational definition of mouthpiece force. This definition recognizes the relationships between average mouthpiece force and mouthpiece force variability. Mouthpiece force principles as presented in this study may contribute to a better understanding of mouthpiece force and its link to lip related injuries. However, additional studies are needed to better understanding the relationships between how the trumpet is taught and learned and the resulting mouthpiece forces produced when playing the trumpet.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2007

Author dc:creator

• Ford, James

Contributors dc:contributor

• Chesky, Kris S.
• Cho, Gene J.
• Candelaria, Leonard A.

• mouthpiece force
• pedagogy
• trumpet
• obicularis oris
• Trumpet -- Mouthpieces.
• Trumpet -- Embouchure.
• Trumpet -- Studies and exercises -- History and criticism.
• Trumpet -- Instruction and study.

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Ford III, James
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 229447255
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc5183/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc5183

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc5183