Klarinet Archive - Posting 000537.txt from 2002/02

From: "mlmarmer" <mlmarmer@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] starting beginners
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 22:42:33 -0500

Hi Patricia,

You gave me some great answers a week ago and I did order Abe Galper book
that Tom suggestion yesterday. I have your book suggestion still written
down for future use. Things are coming along better with yours and Tom's
suggestions.

But I have a question, about air escaping from my lips on the mouth piece.
It can be from top, bottom, side, but as I play more during my practice it
seems to go away. Plus the top of the mouthpiece, is pretty wet from
saliva, that goes away as the air leaks stop.

Any suggestion. Top and Bottom lip are tucked in and checks are firm and
flat, not puffed.

I appreciated the feedback.

Thanks again,

Mike Marmer
Germantown, MD

----- Original Message -----
From: "Patricia Alison Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subject: Re: [kl] starting beginners

> This is in reply to Jennifer and Desiree:
>
> Clarinet is NOT, despite what a lot of people say, one of the easier
> instruments to learn. Sure, it IS one of the easier instruments for
> students to get a sound out of. But to play it well, it takes time.
>
> I would suggest having them use a bit less bottom lip, and to bring the
> clarinet in, closer to the body, so the angle between the horn and the
body
> is not so great. Also, encourage them to flatten the bottom lip more, and
> keep the chin flat as well. And opening the throat to make a nice "O"
> sound, is excellent.
>
> I also do not see a problem with them playing with double lip if it works
> for them and they get a good sound with it. Some people achieve a much
> better sound that way, and are able to open the throat much better, as
well
> as solve the very problems Desiree mentioned.
>
> Pointing the chin downwards and opening the throat should get rid of the
> puffed cheeks. And closing the angle should help as far as the pinching
> lips are concerned.
>
> Lastly, but most importantly, you will want to check the diaphragm area to
> make sure that the students are breathing in deeply and not putting air in
> their cheeks to support the sound. I have had students do this in the
past.
> The sooner this dreadful habit is broken the better. Your band may not
get
> as far in the method book right now, but I can promise you proper
breathing
> will pay off later down the road.
>
> Patricia A. Smith
> pattiesmith@-----.net
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>

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