It is said that one of the most important things about playing an instrument is the ability to produce a characteristic sound on the that instrument. This characteristic sound comes from the proper formation of the embouchure.

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What is an embouchure? The embouchure, which is literally the french word for "the mouth",  is where the instrument's vibration is initiated on the body.  This is where the action happens, and without proper embouchure formation, you will not produce a characteristic tone.  

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When thinking about creating the embouchure, you will need to consider three separate, yet connected concepts:

1. Posture- Proper body alignment.

2. Air Support- Proper breathing and air quality.

3. Embouchure- Formation of the mouth, both inside and outside the body.

When put together, these concepts for P.A.S.E, and acronym for Posture, Air Support and Embouchure.

 

Following these step will help form a great embouchure and is the first step in creating a great tone on your instrument.

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This website is designed to help you discover the proper way to form and use your embouchure.

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You will find a discussion on proper posture when playing your instrument, proper air support to create the best possible tone, and finally the proper formation of your instrument specific embouchure. Along the way you will discover how to assemble and hold your instrument to support a great embouchure.

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Be sure that you read and look at all the various videos and exercises.  As you begin to play on your instrument, check your sound against the example of both good and improper sounds.  This website provides causes and solutions for common embouchure issues . Finally, a list of resources is provided for each instrument to get you started.

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The buttons to the left will take you to instrument specific embouchure pages. Check back often as more instrument will be added!

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Have fun and don't forget P.A.S.E yourself!

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