Quick Facts
Biography
Embouchure
Clint's studies are specialized on trumpet and brass embouchure, he was the first person to explain the "Aperture Tunnel". In his book "How the Chops Work" Clint explains how the vibrations affect the pitch; arguing that not only the length, but also the thickness and height affect it. Mr. McLaughlin also explains how adjusting the aperture tunnel when playing can increase a players resonance by strengthening higher harmonics in the vibration.
McLaughlin has been active in describing which facial muscles help and which hinder trumpet playing.
Other topics in his books are how facial tension adversely affects lip vibrations and playing and he has helped explain the differences in high note playing using different breathing techniques and tongue arch.
Clint was the first teacher to explain how the order in which embouchure motions are used affects the players range and endurance. Clint discovered that some embouchure techniques like tongue arch work best in the middle register, some like lip compression work best in the upper register. Making sure to add the elements of embouchure control in the right order is a key of successful playing. He calls this idea the 4 Trumpet Octave Keys.
Thermal imaging videos
Clint McLaughlin did the first ever thermal imaging video of trumpet players. The videos show the heat gain in the muscles as the player plays different notes. You see the actual heat changes in muscle activity, while hearing the note that caused the heat change. A few of these videos can be found at this website Thermal video study of trumpet players.
Trumpet high notes
McLaughlin did a major rewrite and update on the 160 year old Arban book. He took exercises and raised them a step at a time, giving serious material to practice range work with. The book is 985 pages and is considered to be a major addition to trumpet literature by world class player Mark Curry.
Other books
McLaughlin started studying martial arts when he was 10 and trained in 8 styles. He taught martial arts in a large gym with over 1200 students for several years before he wrote his self-defense book.
In 2000 McLaughlin started to study theology and relationship counseling and became ordained in 2006. He does work with couples to improve their relationships.
Writing books on marriage counselling, dating advice and gay rights became a part of his Christian outreach.