Lip Setpoint

There is one question about Lip Setpoint (TM) that I get asked a lot. When should people be taught about a lip setpoint?

ALL beginning students should be taught the concept. As first year students the range falls between low g and 4th space e. They should be taught to set for a second line g. This prevents the need for lots of shifting, curling……

The problem comes in year 2 or 3 when the range increases and the center of range starts moving up. The “Lip Setpoint”(TM) should move up as well.

If you use a pivot and open (lower) your jaw as you descend. The g on the staff setting should be easy to add to your full time playing.

The concept is about setting closer to the top of your range. The lips can only move freely so far after the mouthpiece touches them. This is why we should always use a good Lip Setpoint. We need to be able to play from the top to the bottom of our range on ONE set and one breath. Keeping the same set for every note gives us much better control of keeping a consistent sound throughout our entire range. It also makes it easy to learn how every note feels. That seriously improves our accuracy and control over our playing.

We should use one of these 3 notes 3rd space C, a 4th space E, or a G on the top of the staff for our Lip Setpoint (TM). For a month or 2 in practice play the setpoint note and instantly start your exercise or song. NO break, and no breath between the setpoint and start of the song or exercise.

Pops