Growing pains?

With such a diverse studio, I often come across some unusual issues - one actually being how to best hold the horn!  

When my students experience growth spurts, they often try to keep the same position and posture -something which often doesn't work! As torsos grow, students find their mouthpieces end up too low on their lips, causing issues with range and endurance.  

How to check your posture?
- Make sure your body is straight, neck straight, you are sitting upright and legs are at right angles
- Bring the horn to you - let the horn fit you, not vice versa! 
- Find an angle in which your bell is facing out rather than into your body or leg - your angle may need to change a little to accommodate the new height
- If you are playing on the leg, consider bringing the bell a little closer to you to bring the horn higher.
- Consider moving your right leg to the right a little, or propping your right foot on the chair leg to give a few extra inches.
Keep your hands and arms at positions that allow your great sound to get to your audience
- Your ideal posture should be comfortable, relaxed and natural feeling

Hope this helps, and happy playing!