Klarinet Archive - Posting 000402.txt from 1996/01

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: New User
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 1996 13:15:13 -0500

Bethany,

I don't know how widespread the school of thought continues to be
regarding the advocation of a "smile" embouchure, but pulling back the
corners of the mouth as a means of effecting correct placement of the
lower lip upon the reed seems like an ill-conceived prescription
(creating unnecessary tension in the facial muscles, thereby affecting
the entire embouchure mechanism). Having "too much lip on the reed" is a
relative judgment ("judgment" may be spelled either with or without an "e"
after the "g") and you will ultimately have to find out what works most
effectively for yourself. If you're a relative beginner on the instrument,
then having too much lip on the reed is very likely a simple indication that
your embouchure muscles are not yet fully developed. If, in addition to your
teacher's observation, you also find that the muscles on your chin are
bunching up while you play, then your embouchure muscles are probably just in
need of "exercise" in order to firm them up. Talk to your teacher about
embouchure-building exercises, like long tones and articulation studies --
exercises you should be performing daily and diligently (and with patience)
during each practice session. Over time, your embouchure will become strong
enough such that the muscles in your chin will pull the lower lip down flat
against your lower teeth, with just a small cushion of lip above, upon which
the reed may rest.

Neil

On Thu, 3 Jan 1980, Crim wrote:

> Hi Everybody,
> I'm a new user and I really like this list. It provides me with a lot
> of information. But, I have a question of my own.
> My teacher has informed me that I am putting too much lip onto the
> reed. He said one way to improve this was to smile and then put your lips
> to the reed and that would be the correct form. But, it's not that easy
> for me because I've been playing like this for about 6 years. Any ideas??
>
> Bethany Crim
>