Introduction

After the instrument itself, the mouthpiece of a brass instrument is the single most important piece of equipment a player uses. A mouthpiece can become something that, in part, defines a player - their style, their sound, their personality. Mouthpiece selection is taken VERY seriously. The right mouthpiece can make a players life so much better just as the wrong mouthpiece can cause serious trouble and harm.

As a player grows physically, becomes stronger and develops musically, their mouthpiece needs and desires will become more refined. As a player ages, changes careers or education paths, live their lives, their mouthpiece needs may change.

Many players will find they need different mouthpieces for different repertoire, musical styles and instruments. 

So, yeah, it gets complicated!

The beginner mouthpiece

A good beginner mouthpiece is specifically designed for the needs of the first time player. It has been designed for comfort, playability and durability whilst not being expensive. A good beginner mouthpiece is universal in design, suiting most players very well. The rare player may need something a bit more specific from a mouthpiece early on. A good tutor will recognise this situation and advise the student.

Basic parts of the mouthpiece

A brass mouthpiece in simplest terms is a funnel that reduces the airstream and vibrations of the lips down to the bore of the brass instrument.

The BLANK

• A mouthpiece "blank" is simply the exterior design a maker uses. An experienced player can recognise a mouthpiece at a distance simply by the exterior shape. Every maker has their own design, many based on traditional designs and often quite similar to one another. 

The RIM

• This is the part of the mouthpiece that the player puts his lips up to. 

The CUP

• Every mouthpiece has a cup; a bowl or funnel shaped area that reduces the airstream down to the "throat", like the bottom of a funnel. 

The SHANK

• This is the part that plugs into the instruments receiver. 

MATERIALS

• Most beginner mouthpieces are made of brass that is silver plated.
• Plating: silver plating is the most common plating used. It creates a fine layer of protection on top the base metal that improves comfort and provides a hygienic surface. Gold plating is a common, though expensive, alternative.
• Alternative base materials
• Inexpensive plastic mouthpieces are not uncommon but have shortcomings in performance.
• Other base materials are often found in upscale mouthpieces: Nickel silver (German silver), stainless steel, titanium, Delrin (a hard, shapable plastic), Bronze even wood are used.

Mouthpiece condition and maintenance

A mouthpiece must be in good condition, not just for proper function but for the health of the player. 

• The silver plating, especially on the rim, should not have any bare brass showing. Continuous contact with raw brass (or other base materials like nickel silver) can cause reactions or trigger allergies to those with sensitive skin. 
• The rim should not have any deep scratches or gouges. Deep scratches or gouges, like when dropped on a hard concrete floor, can not only cause discomfort but can harbour bacteria.
• The tip of the mouthpiece shank can easily get bent from drops. This can cause the mouthpiece to fit the instrument poorly and wobble. It is an easily fixed problem with a simple tool that teachers often carry.
• The interior of a mouthpiece should be kept clean. Regular washing (warm, soapy water with a soft sponge) and cleaning of the shank interior with a mouthpiece brush should be routine.

 Braces

For most beginners braces may be a few years off but for many it is lurking on the horizon. Braces will, without a doubt, be a challenge and will require perseverance on the part of the player and their supporters. Rest assured that there are strategies and products to help get young musicians through this trying period. There is no need for those that will inevitably need braces to miss the opportunity to learn a brass instrument! I'll get more into braces and strategies in Part 2.

Pitfalls

• School provided mouthpieces should be carefully inspected before use. I've seen mouthpieces provided to students that are in appalling condition. 
• Hand me downs are great! You might get an upgrade instrument from family or fiends and that is really lucky, but be aware the mouthpiece that comes with that intermediate or professional instrument may not be suitable for a beginner.
• Pretty much every student instrument will come with a mouthpiece. Be aware that inexpensive instruments from online sources and big-box retailers may not come with a decent mouthpiece. Mouthpieces that are poorly shaped or made of poor materials is not uncommon. Well regarded and common brands in Australia (Bach, Eastman, Jupiter, Shagerl and Yamaha for example) will have a decent quality and appropriate mouthpiece included. If you are concerned, the first person to ask is the tutor.

Reliable beginner models

• Trumpet
• Bach, Faxx, Jupiter, and many others: 7C
• Yamaha ??