hey, i`ve been playing since he fourth grade (I`m a junior in HS) and I hav developed a problem. I was always lazy and got myself used to playing on the right side of my mouth and I have trouble getting a good buzz. the right side of my mouth pulls down a lot when I play. Any help would be appreciated. thanks,
matt-ryan
(PS: any chiz rider fans out there?)

Try playing with the music to your right, you will find yourself pulling the horn in that direction and strengthening that side. I have a scar on my right side from an accident a couple years ago, before I started playing, and it kind of hangs out of my lips when I play. It looks a little funny up close but it doesn`t seem to effect my playing. Liek anything, it`ll take time to fix the weakness on that side, so be patient and don`t kill your lips trying to get a quick fix. Hope this helps,
bonnie

thanks, thats what I`ve been doing for a while, or trying to do at least. It is funny how I can play much higher notes on on my left than I could on my right lol. But the lower range isn`t very clear. well thanks for the help
matt-ryan

in the arbans books it says we have to learn to deal with our handicapps. just work on it

If you sound good out of the right side of your mouth, don`t fix it. It may look weird, but if it sounds good that is the point. Don`t fix what isn`t broken.

Do you find that you lack in stamina? I imagine that you do(depending on how far to the right you are!) If it works then stick to it advice is good but does it really work? Many people can fool themselves into thinking it works when it doesnt because its easier than dealing with it. My advice, as harsh as it sounds, would be to take your mouthpiece, close your eyes and put it where you think the middle of your lips are. Start playing. It will feel like your first day playing trumpet again and it may take a year to settle in as you are using the previously untrained muscles on the left side but the benifits to your long term playing will be tremendous! Once you feel that embouchere has set, if it is still not very close to centre, start from step one again, only this time it will be easier because you will have developed some strength on both sides(It may only take a few weeks this time).

I was fixing my trumpet and I got my middle valve stuck. My dad tryed to pull it out but he couldn`t. I unscrewed the valve but it won`t get unstuck.

I`ve been playing my trumpet for four years. I look like I have a big smile when I play. I am 1st chair and my friend who is 2nd chair always makes fun of me. However, people have said that I have much better tone than him. Should I try to change the way I play even if I`m doing really great as is? Well, just wanted to know what you guys thought.

No! If its central on the lips, a smiley face is fine! Rock on! Shows you are using your corners which is how it should be

Thanks!