embouchure

Embouchure (from the French bouche, mouth) describes the entire physical configuration of the mouth, lips, jaw, and facial muscles used to produce sound on a wind instrument. Each instrument family requires a different embouchure: brass players buzz their lips into a cup mouthpiece, single-reed players press a reed against a mouthpiece, and flutists direct air across an embouchure hole. Developing a strong, flexible embouchure takes years of daily practice. Brass players must build the small muscles around the lips to produce a stable, controlled buzz across the instrument's full range. A tired or injured embouchure can end a performance — many professionals follow strict warm-up routines and avoid playing when fatigued.