John Stork

Stork, John

Understanding the mouthpiece

A brass player's limitations may have less to do with technique than equipment, as subtle changes in mouthpiece design can transform comfort, response and performance.

Stork, Phyllis · Stork, John

Resistance and the brass player

Stork, John · Stork, Phyllis

Flesh meets metal 1

The rim

The mouthpiece rim’s inner diameter affects brass players’ comfort and response, with symptoms of poor fit in range, endurance, tone, intonation and flexibility.

Stork, John · Stork, Phyllis

Flesh meets metal 2

The rim width

Mouthpiece rim width and contour affect brass players’ response, flexibility and endurance, with different lip shapes calling for different rim designs.

Stork, John · Stork, Phyllis

Flesh meets metal 3

The rim bite

The inner edge and outer contour of a brass mouthpiece rim affect how it plays and feels, making the player’s lip shape a practical guide to choosing a rim.