Klarinet Archive - Posting 001123.txt from 1997/09

From: YeomanHuff@-----.com
Subj: Re: sore jaw
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 01:48:47 -0400

In a message dated 97-09-24 13:34:03 EDT, HUFFT5338@-----.edu writes:

<< I am a senior performance major at a University in Iowa and I have been
having
a problem with my jaws and general embouchyre while playing and shortly
after
playing. My jaw hurts, feels really tight and shakes sometimes. I often
leak
air because my mouth seems to become too tired. Has any one else had thesse
problems or does any one have some advice for me?
>>

It would seem to me that you are using an incorrect embouchre - using your
muscles in a way that strains and taxes them. This should be addressed
*immediately* with your teacher.

I would venture a guess that you are using the "side" muscles too much.
Perhaps "pulling back at the corners"? (God, how I hate that phrase!) I
use an embouchre where all of the strength is top to bottom, and the sides
merely close around the mouthpiece, sort of like a rubber band. Ironically,
there is never a problem with leaking.

Be aware as you make any embouchre change. It needs to be done gradually and
patiently with LOTS of breaks to avoid fatigue. And be prepared to squeak
for a couple days after each change. :) I wouldn't make any major changes
during the academic semester...

Please work with a competant teacher well versed in both you and a solid
embouchre technique.

Teri Herel.