Hey Folks. first post here, so be gentle, haha.
I am a student who has been playing the Euphonium for about 7 months now and it is only of recent that I have noticed my embouchure being all sorts of terrible. I could play from a Bb 1 to a Bb 4, and I sounded borderline 'okay'. However, my endurance has been suffering, as well as my lips were in constant pain from being curled in. I also have had a Large pocket of air appear under my left lip, which my Band Director says in what is causing my discomfort and what is making my High register sound muffled. this is the advice she had given me:
"First of all, you need to hold your head up and bring your instrument to you - you tend to play with your instrument down and neck bent. Your neck needs to be straight and your head up. Posture and breathing are absolutely essential.
You need to buzz naturally make sure corners are in and your lips are flat - you tend to fold your lips inward and curl and press the outsides of our lips together. You are trying to buzz with the outside of your lips rather than the insides. It is much harder to do this if your head is up and your neck is straight.
Cheeks need to be in and the lips pulled back. You tend to press your lips together rather than let them buzz.
Buzzing with a mouthpiece in front of the mirror will help.
Be patient AND persistent - an embouchure change takes time. I suggest you talk to (1st chair). I had him completely change his embouchure in 9th grade and he sounds great on all low brass instruments and has a great range. If you see him play - his embouchure is perfect. It took time and persistence to get him there.
Realize that you will temporarily lose some range and some flexibility - playing correctly means you are developing new muscles and habits. Give yourself the time to learn how to play properly."
Along with this, would anyone have any tips or tricks to get rid of this pesky air pocket?
I play on a Wessex Dolce Ep-100 Euphonium with a Wessex 4Y mouthpiece, for anyone who was wondering.