GR's 3 Rules of Brass Playing
(The info below was taken directly from a GR Mouthpiece Clinic)
1. The lips must be supple and free to vibrate without unnatural impingement or manipulation, cushion is required.
2. You need a constant supply of uninterrupted air flow that is supported. The air column must be free from impingement and manipulation.
3. There must be a match between the player, horn, and mouthpiece. If one changes the others must be able to accommodate the change or be changed as well.
Rule #1
The lips must be supple and free to vibrate without unnatural impingement or manipulation, cushion is required.
Find the most vibrant surface. Release the vibrating lip from impingement. (usually the top). Mismatch can cause manipulations. Set up the standing wave in a tube. Vibrant! Look for manipulations in your set up using a mirror. Blood flow & endurance = Cushion
Rule #2
You need a constant supply of uninterrupted air flow that is supported. The air column must be free from impingement and manipulation.
Whoo? Phoo? Ahhh or Haa? Head position, sing, and bring horn to you. Snot explosion? Why? What Walve has been closed silly wrabbit? Ungh or ugh! Placement of the voice box vs. lips. Vocalist vs. Brass Player.
Rule #3
There must be a match between the player, horn, and mouthpiece. If one changes the others must be able to accommodate the change or be changed as well.
Testing-listen mechanically!
Poor match can cause overuse injury.
New equipment-use caution, INTENSITY, DURATION, and FREQUENCY.