Klarinet Archive - Posting 000768.txt from 2001/11

From: "VZ <VZ2@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Cure/approach for biting embouchure
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2001 11:00:19 -0500

Here is an approach to try for biting that might just do the trick:

* have student open mouth slighly, insert tip of little finger sideways
into mouth, so that the top/bottom teeth are very lightly contacting
the fleshy sides of the fingernail. Teeth will be open around 1/2 inch,
and just about 1/2 inch or so of the tip of finger will be inserted.

* at this point, have the student push down with upper lip, up with lower
lip as much as they can. Similar to saying 'mmmmm'...

* have them notice that they can apply more or less LIP pressure without
altering the amount of bite that the teeth are applying. During this
whole process, they can easily judge how much 'bite' they're applying
by whether their little finger feels any bite pain or not from the teeth.

* If they're looking into a mirror while doing this, they can easily see
(and feel) how one can apply LOTS of lip pressure without much bite
pressure.

* This is best accomplished using the drawstring approach to embouchure,
as the 'smile' approach won't allow for enough muscular pressure to
be applied to support clarinet sounds. You have to end up with a 'pad'
being formed by the lower lip, so that there is plenty of lip & muscle
directly underneath where the reed will contact the lip.

* The student will probably be surprised at how much lip pressure they need
to apply to get any kind of decent results. This will also tire their
chops out very quickly(similar to double lip). However, practice, practice,
practice...

* This approach also has an advantage for anyone trying to double on sax, as
it makes vibrato much easier & 'rounder' in sound.

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