Klarinet Archive - Posting 000688.txt from 2002/04

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.ca>
Subj: Re: [kl] Embouchure question
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 15:46:45 -0400

The post about the *o* embouchure might have been mine. My teacher, Wes
Foster, Principal of the Vancouver Symphony, explained it to me this way: the
lips are shaped as though in the shape of the letter *o* (with the corners
pulled inward toward the center of the mouth). Inside the mouth, you want to
have your tongue placed as if saying the German umlaut oe (I think) - almost
the sound oo, but combined with ee. Try the mouth shape first, then say oo,
followed by ee, then try combining those two sounds, and you have the shape,
both inside and outside the mouth. What Keith Stein may be meaning (but not
*being* Keith, I'm not sure) is to keep the wet part of the bottom lip flat
against the teeth, not pulled up and over the top of the teeth. Wes also
explained that in relation to the center of the lips when playing (notably
below the center of the mouthpiece): the bottom lip should be soft and somewhat
relaxed, not truly firm. If you form the *o* embouchure (it's like the top of
a drawstring bag) the bottom lip cannot fold and cover the top of the teeth,
but will lie flat against them and give you that soft, flexible center.

I hope this helps. Anyone else care to help Suzanne out, here?

Good luck!

Audrey

Suzanne Stanton wrote:

> I've been reading in Keith Stein's book, "The Art of Clarinet Playing" about
> how to form a correct embouchure. He says, "Keep the red of the lower lip
> turned outward. Never allow it to roll inward and be lost." I was taught
> years ago to fold the bottom lip over the bottom teeth and keep it tight.
> What do all of you do? I also read a post here awhile back that mentioned
> an "O" shaped embouchure. I'm not exactly clear what that means. I'd
> really like to work on my tone, and I'm willing to change my embouchure, if
> I need to. Also, are there any other good "how to" books out there on
> clarinet playing? Thanks for any feedback.
>
> Suzanne Stanton
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------

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