[Trombone-l] Embouchure problem--help for a friend

[Walter Barrett]

On Feb 9, 2008, at 7:18 AM, mcclurefamily at srt.com wrote:

> Does anyone know of an email list for trumpets?  Or a specialist
> who helps players with embouchures?
>
> I have a trumpet embouchure question on behalf of a friend. This
> friend can play for a while then the muscles on the right side of
> his embouchure just quit. Some tingling, no pain, some numbness.
> Just no support, almost randomly.
>
> makes me think of Bell's Palsy, or Sling Palsy from my Marine
> Corps Days (rifle range).
>
> Any ideas? He is so frustrated...he doesn't have ANY bad habits
> in his performing or practicing and uses the no pressure method
> of playing already...plays on a Bach 1 (the largest trumpet mp
> available).
>
> Please share anything you think may help. Or point me to other
> sources. t5
>
> Doublers, what say you?
>
> Chris Ann
>


Sounds more like some sort of dystonia to me. (Writer's cramp is one  
form of dystonia...) He should go see a neurologist, it's possible  
that he's somehow pinching the nerve that controls those muscles. If  
that nerve passes by the jaw hinge, it could be a TMJ issue, maybe a  
dental consult of some type may be a good idea. He might also want to  
get in touch with Jan Kagarice, down at North Texas. She's done a lot  
of work with various focal dystonias, and would be a great resource.

jkagarice at unttrombones.com



Walter Barrett

"Don't get old, you won't like it."
	-Arnold Jacobs

Alto, tenor, bass trombones
Bass trumpet, euphonium, tuba
Yamaha Artist/Clinician
http://www.walterbarrett.com