I have been playing the trumpet for some time now, and am hoping to take grade 8 next year. Unfortunately, my practising has left a permanent mark from the mouthpiece on my top lip. I was wondering if anyone else has had similar problems and knows of any way to help (but not makeup/ lipstick: I`m a guy!). Thanks.

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Any ideas?

Maybe you are using too much pressure but even if you dont you may have this ring, that is normal.I know a lot of trumpeters who have this ring and play well.

and i forgot i you want this to vanish try restin for a week and dont practice

I don`t think I`m using too much pressure, but it certainly is possible. Resting for a week might work, but I enjoy playing the trumpet too much to take that much time out! I guess I`ll just have to put up with the mark on my lips.

how much do you practice per day

I try to do around 2 hours, although this sometimes drops to 1 and a half.

I would not suggest taking time out from playing just to get rid of a mouthpiece ring on your lips.

Many professional players have these perminatly on thier faces from practicing.

However, there is a possiblility that you may be using too much pressure. Try playing and adjusting the amount of pressure on your lips....go to the point where there is just enough pressure that no air will leak out.

If you have teeth marks in the inside of your lips that is a good indication you are using too much pressure.

Good luck.

Vince

Thanks very much for the reply; I will try what you have suggested and attempt playing with less pressure, although if you are right in saying that many profesional trumpeters have this prroblem, I`m not so worried!

Thanks!

are you practicing 2 hours in one piece or do you have a pause

i spend roughly 20 minutes on scales as warm ups, then play a piece for an hour or so (at the moment it`s Haydn) and then do some technical practice, ie triple tonguing for the rest of the time, sometimes playing "fun" pieces like Phantom of the Opera.

What?you are playing the haydn concerto on B trumpet

Bb yer. Why?

i can say that for me it would be very difficult.you must be able to play high range easily.there is a part that comes to Eb 3

Well, it is high but you are able to do a run up to it; basically you just need to play the Eb major scale missing out the tonic note; I find it easier than I do trying to hit notes like that straight off.

But I guess I might be pressing a little too hard, and therefore this could be the reason for my annoying mouthpiece mark...