I want stronger lips for the Clarinet...

Question

does it make sense to practice trumpet to get stronger lips?

Answer 1

First of all, I don't quite understand why you would need stronger lips for the clarinet...your lips are not very involved at all.

The embouchure (i.e. the way your mouth is shaped around the instrument) used for the clarinet is with the front teeth sunk into the top part of the mouth piece, and the bottom lip folded over the teeth resting on the reed located on the back of the mouthpiece. Sound is made by blowing into the instrument with the correct embouchure and air restriction. On the trumpet the lips are very involved, because they are placed in the mouthpiece and they must buzz in order to put sound through the instrument.

In other words, practicing trumpet would probably give you stronger lips, but those lips would not help you at all in playing the clarinet.

Wow. Why does life have to be so complicated? Hang in there, you'll get it!

Hope that helps. =)

Answer 2

I'm sure it will give you stronger lips when practicing trumpet, but just keep in mind that you are using different muscles when playing each instrument.  You buzz in a trumpet, while you purse your lips on a clarinet.  My advice would just be to practice your clarinet regularly.  It will build up your strength and endurance.

Answer 3

simple solution, get a stronger reed!