Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Music

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to expand the literature related to the subject of trumpet embouchure change and provide a comprehensive resource that will assist both student and teacher in navigating a trumpet embouchure change. This resource will not only help them determine whether to go through with the process but will present them with multiple options regarding embouchure change starting methods. It can be used for a variety of ages but primarily intended for use with students high school age or older.

In current method books, one trumpet embouchure is usually presented and is often a “one-size-fits-all” situation. This is problematic, as the literature otherwise determines that all players are different, and one embouchure type will not work for all facial structures. Additionally, while some books mention embouchure changes, there is no book specifically dedicated to the process of changing a trumpet embouchure. Furthermore, traditional method books often become too difficult, too quickly for someone undergoing this process. In the current literature students are expected to compile their own exercises from various sources, leaving them and their teachers to find proper methods and exercises.

This paper will consist of four parts: the literature review, the pedagogical study and suggestions, an explanation of the method book materials, and the method book manuscript itself. Pedagogical opinions from experts of embouchure and embouchure change were compiled to bring awareness of multiple viewpoints, as well as inform this author’s own pedagogical suggestions. This section (chapter three) illuminates that there are benefits and drawbacks to every embouchure type, and that there is not one solution that works for every player. The pedagogical suggestions draw from the study of these materials as well as the author’s own experience to recommend various paths for the student regarding embouchure change. The method book portion of this project uses this knowledge to compile a resource that will successfully navigate a student through the initial stages of a trumpet embouchure change using a variety of starting methods.

Date

3-29-2025

Committee Chair

Ahlhorn, Ross

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