Klarinet Archive - Posting 000324.txt from 1995/02

From: David Gilman <dagilman@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: PLEASE REPLY
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 1995 12:59:38 -0500

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>Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 20:33:17 EST
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>From: "D. Gott" <34AWMQH@-----.EDU>
>Organization: Central Michigan University
>Subject: PLEASE REPLY
>To: Multiple recipients of list KLARINET
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>
> I sent a question in to the list on Sunday regarding methods used
>to begin a student with embouchure. Thank you to Kerry Roebuck for
>the reply. I was hoping to compile my responses for an advanced clar.
>pedagogy project but alas, I have only one response. I could really
>use and appreciate the experience of the list's users. Please help
>me out. Thank you.
>
>-------------------------
> DAVID GOTT: INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION MAJOR AT CMU.
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Dave,

I'm not an instructor myself, but I can tell you what I was told:

1. Hold the instrument at a 45 degree angle to the body (or maybe a
little less) for best air attack and sound.

2. Keep the lower lip fairly low on the reed.

3. Keep the corners of the mouth turned up in a slight "smile."
You can demonstrate the need for this by showing the student how the reed
vibrates when unsupported. Remove the mouthpiece from the instrument, put
the bottom end of the mouthpiece (tenon) in your mouth (sealing the lips
around the tenon), and inhale vigorously. If you do this in front of a
mirror, you will see the sides of the reed tip vibrating up and down. This
shows the need to support the reed on its sides. =20

4. Keep the tongue forward and down, voicing the vowel sound [a] or
[aw] or [o] for greatest tonal resonance. Recently, I read an article by
Tom Ridenour in the _Leblanc_Bell_ suggesting that the tongue should be kept
high in the mouth, touching the upper molars on both sides and voicing the
sound [ee] or [wee]. I tried this, and it did not produce a favorable
result for me. My tone became strident, and tonguing felt awkward in this
position.

5. Support CONSTANTLY from the diaphragm.

Those are the basics of it, compiled over the last 20 years (prox.) from
various sources. I hope that helps.

David Gilman