The word "Embouchure" is a French word meaning,"opening into". But the duty is to serve as an airtight
connection so that the pressure of the air column is maintained and transfers it's energy efficiently to the mouthpiece
and reed.So, as described the embouchure relys on the musculature of the face for support and endurance, certian exercises
for the development of the muscles can be beneficial, if practiced just a few minutes each day.
- The mouth corners - Whistle. Notice that the mouth corners automatically move toward the center.
Now produce your broadest smile, bringing the corners as far back as possible. You should feel tension in the corners at this point.
Alternate the whistle position and the smile, slowly at first, but in a regular rhythm. After about 50 times, these muscles will feel tired,
evidence that they are weak and need this sort of exercise.
- The chin muscles - Push the lower lip tightly against the upper. You will
notice that the chin muscles bunch up - a normal condition for this exercise. Hold for about 10 seconds, then repeat 25 times.
- These exercises
should be practiced regularly and are time savers in embouchure development when faithfully employed.