The purpose of this study was to present a comprehensive analysis of the acoustical properties of the trumpet mouthpiece. The first section will be concerned with the individual parts of the mouthpiece and their interrelationship. The second portion of the study will be the physical analysis of three commonly used trumpet mouthpieces. For this study, five examples of each size have been selected. The third section will present a tonal analysis of the selected mouthpieces. These investigative procedures will attempt to recognize any relationships between the individual mouthpieces and the resulting tones.

Embouchure dysfunctions, including those from acute injury to the obicularis oris muscle, represent potential and serious occupational health problems for trumpeters. Forces generated between the mouthpiece and lips, generally a result of how a trumpeter plays, are believed to be the origin for such problems. In response to insights gained from new technologies that are currently being used to measure mouthpiece forces, belief systems and teaching methodologies may need to change in order to resolve possible conflicting terminology, pedagogical instructions, and performance advice. As a basis for such change, the purpose of this study was to investigate, develop and propose an operational definition of mouthpiece forces applicable to trumpet pedagogy. The methodology for this study included an analysis of writings by selected brass pedagogues regarding mouthpiece force. Finding were extracted, compared, and contrasted with scientifically derived mouthpiece force concepts developed from scientific studies including one done at the UNT Texas Center for Music & Medicine. Results characterized five mouthpiece force principles as the basis for an operational definition of mouthpiece force. This definition recognizes the relationships between average mouthpiece force and mouthpiece force variability. Mouthpiece force principles as presented in this study may contribute to a better understanding of mouthpiece force and its link to lip related injuries. However, additional studies are needed to better understanding the relationships between how the trumpet is taught and learned and the resulting mouthpiece forces produced when playing the trumpet.