Klarinet Archive - Posting 000073.txt from 1996/02

From: JamesTobin <jtobin@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Lip issue
Date: Sat, 3 Feb 1996 19:06:42 -0500

>> 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

As I have been taught, the corners of the mouth should be pulled
firmly down (with little or no tension) and back as opposed to up as smiling
would suggest. A firm resting place for the reed is what your teacher
wants, and this can be found by pulling the chin down. One other thing you
might want to take note of is where your teeth are set under your bottom
lip. I had your same problem and it did take some patience in redeveloping
some of my chops for this change. (It might hurt for a while, although a
good diaphragm and air support can relieve a LOT of pressure) Ultimately,
in any situation, you want maximun relaxation and minimun tension in your
playing.
Good luck with your work. . .

james
Sophomore,
Ed/Perf/Recording
VPI&SU

(__) Mikes'
(oo) mabbott@-----.edu
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