A Theory of Brasswind Embouchure Based upon Facial Anatomy, Electromyographic Kinesiology, and Brasswind Embouchure Pedagogy Page: 4

                                
facial muscle tasks and during brasswind performance were
made using indwelling fine-wire electrodes.
The following fundamental questions were raised: (1)
What are the elements of brasswind embouchure, and what is
the effect of each upon performance? (2) Is there a single
embouchure mode which may be considered most efficient, and
if so, what facial muscles are involved, and how may they
be trained?
Based upon all of the above, the following theory of
embouchure is advanced: There is a single embouchure mode
which is most efficient for all brasswind players, on all
brasswind instruments.  The term efficient refers to the
minimal expenditure of energy consistent with the ends to
be achieved.  A rationale is presented supporting the fol-
lowing facial-muscle-and-jaw posture and facial muscle
activity pattern as most efficient in brasswind embouchure:
The mandible is positioned so that the incisal teeth edges
are vertically aligned during performance throughout the en-
tire range of the instrument, withl1/4 inch basic aperture
between the upper and lower incisal teeth; vertically, the
modioli remain in their natural resting position; horizon-
tally, they remain either in their natural resting position
or are moved medially; the upper and lower lips touch op-
posite the center of Mf4e teeth aperture, inverting slightly,
but not crossing the incisal teeth edges; the mouthpiece
inner edge rests above the red of the upper lip,