Klarinet Archive - Posting 000783.txt from 2002/04

From: CokeYiang <cokeyiang@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] O, oe, oo, ee... er?
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 00:09:11 -0400

The discussion of O, oo, oe, ee embouchure reminds me
of my confusing first few years of learning the
clarinet. My teacher then insisted that the "correct"
embouchure formation is:

(a) first, stretch the lips laterally (like giving a
wide smile)
(b) place the lower lip half-way over the lower front
teeth
(c) stretch the flesh of the chin downwards, tautly
(d) blow

My teacher would make me assume this embouchure over
and over again, each time using his finger(s) to feel
my chin to make sure I stretch the flesh tightly
enough. Naturally, I was distressed. All these muscle
pulling and stretching only made me (my face) tired--I
was unable to play for more than 15 minutes at a time.

I have since found that my optimal embouchure is
really by relaxing my facial muscles as much as
possible, while making sure there is no air leakage
through the lips. It's neither O, nor oo, nor oe...
not deliberately, anyway. If I completely relaxes my
mouth without the mouthpiece inserted, the jaw drops
slightly open automatically due to gravity, and the
mouth opening is "just nice" for the mouthpiece to go
in. Some slight pressure around the mouth, and the
lips are sealed around the mouthpiece. Now, I can play
for much longer periods.

Now, I have a different problem: how to teach young
players the idea of embouchure formation? Everyone's
mouth is different. I find it hard to tell a young
student, "You should stretch more here, relax more
here, don't overdo it there..." when it really depends
on him to *feel* and find for himself the *most
relaxed* and comfortable embouchure. All I can do is
to lend a professional ear to hear the tone sounded,
any air leakage, etc. Otherwise, I don't think it is
something that can be taught.

However, professionally, I am expected to teach the
"correct/best" embouchure, since I'm getting paid. I
am not supposed to go around telling students, "You
have to feel and find it yourself, I can't help
you..." I'll get the sack from parents immediately!

Does anyone have the same dilemma, as in, you feeled
compelled to tell students how to form the deliberate
embouchure, while at the same time, feel in your heart
it's total crap?

Also, the idea that the embouchure should be as
relaxed as possible, don't bother about the O, oo, oe,
ee... rather, listen to your own tone and tonguing
qualities. Shouldn't this be more important, so that
the student can concentrate on developing his/her own
consciousness in other areas, such as tone, tonguing
and other techniques?

Coke Yiang

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