EMBOUCHER NEUROPATHY??

[eupho]

I am a retired Music Educator. I have been the top euphonium professional in my area since moving here in 1975. After the COVID break last year, I returned to playing in several ensembles only to find that my tone, accuracy and flexibility are a fraction of what they used to be. The area around my embouchure has lost sensitivity and my facial muscles feel stiff. After playing seriously since last fall I have only seen a small improvement.
Has anyone here experienced anything similar?

I am a diabetic which makes me suspect nerve damage. I also had a minor stroke last year but have had no noticeable deficits other than the playing difficulties noted.

I would appreciate it if anyone with a similar experience would weigh in.

[Doug Elliott]

As you know well, diabetes can cause nerve damage so that is a strong possibility. And the stroke too.

My specialty is fixing all sorts of embouchure problems, and I have successfully worked with a trombonist with very similar issues except it was from electrocution.

I do my teaching by Skype or Zoom.

[eupho]

That would fantastic!

[2ba4t]

This sounds like nerve damage. Nerves can repair themselves. Try lots of low slurring. Try low lip buzzing as you do your daily walk - whatever. Work on your breathing. Perhaps change down for a while to a tuba and move back as your hopefully improve. Good luck.

[eupho]

Thanks, I am doing Teele pedal studies and Vining Flow Studies, only the slow-moving ones in the mid & low registers.