Klarinet Archive - Posting 000389.txt from 2000/05

From: "Patricia Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] The Perfect Embouchure - was Hi
Date: Sun, 7 May 2000 12:38:14 -0400

Clarinet embouchure:

First of all, to avoid the fiery flames of wrath - this is how I teach
beginners how to form an embouchure. I do not consider this the word of G-D
or any of the clarinet deities. This is how I find it works for me and my
students.

First of all, the student must find the two balance points - the right thumb
on the thumb rest, with the rest placed (usually) half on the nail and half
on the skin. The second point is the bottom lip. (Geometrical
principle -two points form a line - but also I find the students are much
less afraid of dropping the clarinet). When finding the second balance
point, I have the student fold - thinly, not too much lip - his/her bottom
lip over the bottom teeth. Then, i have the student bring the horn to the
lip. Usually, I have them use the left hand to help, covering all holes and
using proper hand position, or I will place the horn on both balance points.
Once placement is done, I have the student drop the top lip around the top
of the mouthpiece just enough to form a seal, and I tell the student to make
sure not to hold the horn out at too far of an angle. Probably not more
than a 30 degree angle. I tell the student to drop his/her jaw and make
sure to point his/her chin. Now the chin does not have to LOOK like it is
pointed - this is more of an inner physiological reference for the student
so s/he can get the feel of the proper embouchure.
Needless to say, we work on this for some time to come, especially as people
are not born doing this. I find it has taken as long as 2 months for a
student to find the right placement. And of course we are also at the same
time trying to learn proper breathing and posture AND usually learning how
to read music.
As Trevor Wye, writer of a flute method I really like using wrote, it takes
"Time, Patience and Intelligent Work."
Audrey, I you have any questions, just post. I tend to not always go into
enough detail in my descriptions.
Patty Smith

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