Mouthpiece Placement - Reinhardt Approach

[andrei]

Hi everyone,

To the following question, I'm interested in a response which is Reinhardt oriented.

The context:
I played trombone/euphonium for about 10 years. In the last period of this approximately 10 years, I tried to move my mouthpiece up on my mouth, because it seemed to me I place it too low. I thought it so because of some opinions. Not because I had register problems.
Then, I took an almost total break for about 14 years. During this years, there where short periods when it happened that I played the trombone, but, it was nothing significant. In general there were years when I didn't touch the trombone during this period of 14 years.
Starting about one month ago, I decided to retake the trombone (I'm 38 now). I would say that my register is OK (in accordance with the time which I spend to "recover" on trombone), but there is a problem: I''m not sure how to place my mouthpiece. I'll explain you below.

1. I'm a downstream player. And I'm a III B according to Reinhardt classification (I have to pull down to ascend). I have read the Encyclopedia of Pivot System. I "diagnosed" myself on this - living in Romania, don't know of any Reinhardt oriented tutor here - but I'm pretty sure I'm right on this.
2. If I place my mouthpiece about 60% upper lip (where it feels most comfortable at first), after some playing it has the tendency to slide downward. If I place it about 50% upper lip (maybe even less a bit), It is pretty OK, but there are 2 issues: the first is is that it feels to me that it is a bit too low, and the second is that it is a bit too low. I would argue that it is too low ( a bit less than 50% on upper lip). And this is not logical for a downstream.
N.B. I don't have register issues in both this positions, but the first one (60% upper lip) slides down when trying to play on high range.

What do you think can the problem be here? I'm not pleased with the second option (a bit less than 50% on upper lip) because I think the low register is a bit unstable because of this. But maybe it is a bit too early to decide on this?

Thanks,
Andrei M.

[Doug Elliott]

That question is a lot easier to answer by actually seeing you play and working with you, than by writing about it.

I never trust someone's self- diagnosis because it's usually wrong. But if you truly are (should be) IIIB, that "sliding down" situation happens sometimes, and it can be for a bunch of different reasons with different solutions. Or maybe IIIB isn't what you should be.

I'd have to see you play.

[andrei]

Hello sir Doug,

Thank you for reply. I'm in Romania (as I stated), There's a big ocean between us and there's a big time gap also. Both can be overcome, but I know you use to "consult" via Skype, too. But, I'm asking myself: is it working? Do you think this will work, considering we will never see one another in person, most likely?

If I want to book you, how should I proceed? Do I have to have a special setting, other than a working camera?

Thanks,
Andrei M.

[Doug Elliott]

The time difference is no problem for me.
If you can use Skype or Facebook Messenger, we can connect. I suppose there are other ways to video... what do you use?

[Wilco]

Hi Andrei, a lot people including me have done a skype session with Doug. I found it worked extremely well. Greeting from The Netherlands

[andrei]

Hello sir Doug,

I'm OK with Skype. I'll write you there (I think I found you).

Thanks,
Andrei M.

[OhneSchatten]

I'm in a similar boat, having recently picked up my horn again after more than a decade away from the instrument. I have found this site incredibly helpful as I've been working my way back the last few months, and it sounds like a lesson with Doug would be a great next step for me.

Doug - Since you're active on this thread, I'd love to schedule a virtual lesson with you. Please let me know the best way to contact you. This is officially my second post on the site, so I think I should be able to message you directly if that's easier. Thanks.

[BGuttman]

...
Doug - Since you're active on this thread, I'd love to schedule a virtual lesson with you. Please let me know the best way to contact you. This is officially my second post on the site, so I think I should be able to message you directly if that's easier. Thanks.

You need three posts to PM. Try going through Doug's Web Site: www.dougelliottmouthpieces.com

[Doug Elliott]

This week I am totally busy getting ready for exhibiting my mouthpieces at ITF next week. I'll have time after about June 3.

[OhneSchatten]

This week I am totally busy getting ready for exhibiting my mouthpieces at ITF next week. I'll have time after about June 3.

That sounds great. Good luck with ITF, and I will reach out about scheduling something in June. Thanks!