How to Prevent Your Lips From Sliding From the Mouthpiece

When starting out on a musical instrument, it is often easy to fall short on a simple technique that helps keep your mouthpiece in place at all times. It is very easy to prevent the lips from sliding from the mouthpiece of any instrument by firming the embouchure, or the muscles of the mouth and jaw, so that there is a firm yet controlled grip on the instrument. It is also important to have a strong hold on the instrument with your hands to promote a steady level of the instrument, helping to prevent any sliding or movement in the mouth.

Firming the Embouchure

• 1

  Place the mouthpiece in the correct position on your mouth. Make sure your teeth are not biting down on the mouthpiece if you are playing a wood instrument.

• 2

  Pull in the corners of your mouth so that you are firming the sides of your mouth. This will support not only the mouthpiece, but your sound as well, helping you to blow a better stream of air through your instrument.

• 3

  Tighten the muscles of your upper and lower lip, firmly grasping the instrument. Again, do not bite down on the instrument with your teeth.

• 4

  Play your instrument while keeping the embouchure firm and tight. Practice this often to get used to this position of the mouthpiece.

Hand Position

• 1

  Make sure your hands are holding the instrument lightly, but grasping it just enough to keep it level.

• 2

  Play your instrument while focusing on your embouchure as well as your hand position. If you are a clarinet player, make sure your right thumb is firmly supporting the thumb rest, which will keep your instrument in a steady position while you play. If you are a trumpet player or flute player, make sure your instrument is in proper position and held at a level perpendicular to your mouth.

• 3

  Practice finding ways to support the level of your instrument by holding it so that it is comfortable. Keeping the instrument level and supported by your hand position will aid in keeping it in your mouth and will prevent your lips from sliding away from the mouthpiece.