Doublereed Archive - Posting 000008.txt from 2003/05

From: LJBlib@-----.com
Subj: Re: [DR-L] opening throat with harder reed
Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 17:35:24 -0400

Mr. Lurie suggests that using a harder reed will force one to keep an "open
throat". He also suggests that a softer reed will allow one to produce a
throat vibrato. This puzzles me because one of my former teachers, Whitney
Tustin , told me he used a throat vibrato. In regard to hardness, he
played reeds that someone once described as "two popsicle sticks tied
together"...so much for one theory. Another teacher instructed me in the
popular diaphragm vibrato and yet a third in his favorite which was done with
lips. All advocated the "open throat". Not surprisingly I spent years in
confusion over vibrato and reed strength. Somehow I have worked out a
compromise that works for me. Since all three earned their living as
highly regarded professionals I will not argue with any point of view.
The physiology is poorly understood and difficult to describe in
words. Its somewhat a "you pays your money and takes your choice" depending
on your own physical endowment and preference in tone quality. Incidentally
when I asked Whitney for advice in developing vibrato he suggested vocal
lessons as being most helpful--and indeed most vocalists seem to do it
naturally and also advocate open throat. Playing softer reeds helped me to
finally get some vibrato, though they are still harder than most young
students like. I"m still working on the mystery of making soft student reeds
that will get a nice tone and play in tune!

Lois Barton