Klarinet Archive - Posting 000586.txt from 2000/05

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] The Perfect Embouchure - was Hi
Date: Wed, 10 May 2000 09:33:40 -0400

Patty
Thank you for this very clear description of how you work with students to
develop correct embouchure. It's pretty close to what I do, too. What about
the corners of the mouth? Do you suggest they pull corners in, as in a
drawstring feeling, or as if saying "o" ?

Thanks to all who posted comments about the perfect clarinet embouchure!

Cheers.

Audrey

Patricia Smith wrote:

> 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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