Date of Award
8-2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
School
Music
Committee Chair
Dr. Ben McIlwain
Committee Chair School
Music
Committee Member 2
Dr. Richard Perry
Committee Member 2 School
Music
Committee Member 3
Dr. Timothy Tesh
Committee Member 3 School
Music
Committee Member 4
Dr. Vanessa Tonelli
Committee Member 4 School
Music
Committee Member 5
Dr. Danny Beard
Committee Member 5 School
Music
Abstract
This dissertation is a pedagogical guide for trombone studio teachers who will lead students through embouchure changes. These changes and adjustments are normal in brass pedagogy, but there is limited literature that addresses how teachers should identify the need for change, initiate the process, and support students through it. There are a growing number of resources available about embouchure injury and dysfunction, rehabilitation, and long-term prevention. This leaves a gap for teachers who are trying to help students using an inefficient embouchure setup.
The purpose of this study is to provide a practical resource for teachers by examining the experiences of five established university trombone professors. This research addresses several key research questions: how to identify if a student needs an embouchure change, how to determine if the change is appropriate for the student, how to communicate the need for change, how to guide the student through the change, and how to support them through the process.
Interviews were conducted with university professors from around the United States. Their experiences and perspectives inform recommendations on how to address every aspect of the embouchure change process from diagnosis of the inefficiency through supporting the student amid the change. Topics explored include the formation of the embouchure, tone development, coordination of fine facial muscles, indicators of efficiency, the importance of trust and communication between students and teachers, institutional considerations, and the importance of patience through the process.
Findings suggest that successful embouchure changes are the result of careful observation and evaluation of student fundamentals, strong student-teacher collaboration, and commitment to a gradual retraining process focused on efficient air flow, prioritizing function over form, and healthy practice habits. Additionally, it is important that teachers stay attentive to the psychological and physical demands placed on students through this process.
Copyright
Austin A Handley 2026
Recommended Citation
Handley, Austin A., "A Trombone Studio Teacher's Guide to Non-Injury-Related Embouchure Changes" (2026). Dissertations. 2507.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2507