FACIAL MUSCLES & LIP FUNCTION — Purtle Brass Conference 2010 · III

This lecture addresses facial musculature and lip function within a healthy, efficient trumpet embouchure. Emphasis is placed on minimizing excess tension while maintaining structural integrity and responsiveness. Jeff Purtle contextualizes these concepts through historical method literature while applying them to modern performance demands. This session continues the systematic progression presented at the Purtle Brass Conference 2010. How the teachings of Herbert L. Clarke fixed Claude Gordon and changed the world of trumpet playing in a 4 part series. Herbert L. Clarke taught Claude Gordon ten years and fixed his playing and the concepts and systematic approach to practice and use of method books transformed the brass playing world. Topics include: The Muscles of The Face, Lip Aperture, Mouthpiece Position and Embouchure, Mouthpiece Buzzing, Gadgets, and more. This is the third of four presentations from the Purtle Brass Conference. Subscribe and click the notification bell to see the other three and the rest of the trumpet conference as they are posted. 00:00:00 Introduction and Summary 00:00:25 Breathing Exercises 00:03:05 Claude Gordon on Chest Up 00:03:33 6. Face 00:05:25 How To Develop Facial Muscles 00:06:36 Arturo Sandoval on Tongue Level 00:06:54 7. Lips 00:07:23 Herbert L. Clarke Letter to Claude Gordon 00:07:39 Rest As Much As You Play 00:08:48 Trumpet Mouthpiece Placement 00:10:11 Arban Quote on Placement 00:10:44 Saint-Jacome Quote on Placement 00:12:16 Claude Gordon on Mouthpiece Placement 00:15:45 Focus On The Real Cause 00:16:29 Stay Away From Mirrors! 00:17:14 Moist Lips 00:18:24 Implications of 7 Items 00:18:43 No Gimmicks or Gadgets 00:20:29 No Tight Equipment 00:21:44 No Buzzing 00:23:32 Arban on Not Buzzing 00:24:50 Don't Change Equipment 00:25:09 Practice Correctly 00:25:43 "Use your brains" - Herbert L. Clarke 00:26:38 Build A Library 00:27:33 7 Items Listed 00:27:53 Questions 00:28:09 Practice Mutes 00:30:08 Which Books To Buy #trumpet #trumpetlessons #trumpetlife 🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺 This channel focuses on advanced trumpet pedagogy, diagnostic teaching, and integrated practice systems for serious trumpet players and educators. The material is primarily intended for college trumpet majors, professional players, and trumpet teachers, as well as dedicated beginners and comeback players who want a clear, structured approach to long-term development. Rather than promoting a single method or quick fix, the emphasis is on understanding how major trumpet methods function together, why progress stalls, and how to practice with purpose. The approach here assumes a high level of commitment and curiosity about how trumpet playing actually works. For professional consultations, masterclasses (in person or online), and deeper diagnostic work, visit: https://purtle.com