Charlie Geyer "The Marriage of Embouchure and Air"

This video should probably come with a disclaimer of sorts; or at least, a word to my current (and prospective) students-- One one hand, this was one of the most important lessons I ever took; on the other hand, some of the things Mr. Geyer says in this video may seem contrary to what many teachers advise about the importance of air, contrary to what you you would expect a "Chicago" teacher to teach, and for my students--- at times even contrary to what you have heard from me. Indeed, I consider myself to be in the "Chicago" school and, in my own teaching, I continue to teach good respiration as a primary skill needed for healthy brass playing. However, just as is important, is the understanding of quality vs. quantity of air, and it was in this very moment in this lesson with Mr. Geyer that I realized I was unwisely prioritizing the quantity of air, which was leading to very inefficient playing at that point in my development. It is also worth noting that sometimes an over-focus on the air can cause us to overlook the importance of developing an efficient embouchure.

[@tptboy1974]

Thanks for posting these Jason! They are invaluable to the trumpet community.

[@us-Bahn]

His tone is as clear as a ray of sunlight

[@JSJFlow]

Truth. I studied with Mr. Cichowicz and misapplied his wonderful lessons, going down the path of air, air, more air. When it didn’t work, I just doubled down on that and made it worse. He did indeed say that the embouchure falls into place with healthy air, but we each need to find out for ourself what healthy air is. (He also said “I can’t practice for you”.) And I do think that some of us need specific embouchure help. It turns out, for example, that the corners are critical - but many players don’t receive that lesson.

[@Jazztrpt43]

Pure gold. Thanks, Jason, for posting these videos. Really appreciate it.

[@mattgaunitzmusic]

I had almost this exact lesson with Charlie in 2012. Coming from a Jacobs based background, I couldn't wrap my head around it at the time. I'm still unpacking it to this day. Really great stuff.