Trumpet posture problem. help?

Question:i've been playing trumpet for 5 years and i have this posture problem where my top lip rise above the mouthpiece. i think its the way my lips are but im not sure, can anyone help me fix this. i use a 5b and thinking about buying a 1b.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: i've been playing trumpet for 5 years and i have this posture problem where my top lip rise above the mouthpiece. i think its the way my lips are but im not sure, can anyone help me fix this. i use a 5b and thinking about buying a 1b.

If your upper lip is coming out does that mean that you are playing only with the lower lip in the mouthpiece? Does your embouchure start out OK but gradually the mouthpiece slides down? A few more details might help. If your lip is popping out then just switching mouthpiece sizes probably won't change things. It could be the shape of your lips or your teeth, or whether you might have an overbite or under-bite.

Not everyone's lips are suited to play a trumpet mouthpiece. I had a student whose lips where an unusual shape, sort of curved rather than straight across and his lower lip was much bigger than the upper. He kept trying week after week, but could barely get a sound. Since he had such a thick lower lip, I finally recommended that he try the saxophone instead.

In certain cases, switching to baritone for a while can help. The mouthpiece is so much bigger that your mouth will probably fit inside it. Then both lips can work together and your embouchure will strengthen.

That's not a posture problem, that is an embouchure problem.

It sounds like your mouthpiece could be troubling you, pay a visit to your local music shop with your trumpet to experiment with new bore/cup sizes. Your dental/lip structure often influences your embouchure, so it won't be perfect.

If that doesn't work, talk to your band director or lessons instructor. You need help from someone who plays high brass or is VERY familiar with it, because assistance from someone who knows little about trumpet mechanics may only hurt your embouchure further.