Klarinet Archive - Posting 000210.txt from 1995/04

From: Tsuhsin Lin <TSUHSIN@-----.BITNET>
Subj: Re: anchor tonguing
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 1995 07:01:39 -0400

On Tue, 11 Apr 1995, NAME wrote:

> My question is about anchor tonguing. I do it and I have the hardest time
> tonging really, or even moderately fast. I find myself slowing down in tempo i
n
> passages because of my "inability" to tongue. A collegue of mine could super
> fast tongue, but she can't control it most of the time which makes it very
> difficult when we play together in orchestra. I have tried practicing tonguin
g
> at the tip in slow exercises, but I always find myself going back to my old
> way. Does anyone else have this problem? I would appreciate comments. Thanks.
>
> ukim@-----.edu
> -Chinhee

Chinhee:

I was anchor tongue before and I feel the tongue position is more
natural than the RIGHT WAY... But, I just couldn't get a clear attack and
lighter staccato especially on the high notes. My former teacher, Dr.
Elsa Verdehr, asked me to change it, and it took me a full Fall Term and
a winter break which is about 13 weeks to get it right.

Since I have to use the tip of my tongue to touch the reed, I
couldn't put the mouthpiece too much in my mouth, and the whole
embouchure changed. My top lip needs to be much firmer than before. I
remember I couldn't even play A NOTE at the beginning. At the end of
that term, Dr. Verdehr allowed me to use my old way touguing for my jury
and I worked very hard during my first American X'mas break in my
roommate's house. Finally, I can do it. I felt like I am waking up from a
nightmare. I can tongue clearer, lighter and faster than before.

Now, I am studying with Dr. Spring. Lots of his repertoires
require double tonguing and circular breathing. AAAAH! Another NIGHTMARE!!!

---Tsuhsin Lin
School of Music
Arizona State University

   
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