Klarinet Archive - Posting 000794.txt from 2002/04

From: A4ACHESON@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Embouchures in general
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 04:14:14 -0400

The use of 'o', 'oo', 'eo' etc. syllables in describing embouchure is a waste
of time unless you are defining it to people with similar characteristics of
tooth and jaw formation. Similarly talk of 'pressure' or 'no pressure'
embouchures.

Most clarinet tuition books describe the position of the lower lip as being
'pushed over the teeth,' 'pulled over the teeth,' 'drawn over the teeth',
rolled over the teeth', etc. etc.
Each phrase may describe what the writer felt but each is subjective and open
to misinterpretation. Stein's 'Art of Clarinet Playing' tries hard to make
the function of the lips clear and is the best I have read.
Because of the above and because so many clarinet beginners naturally form a
'proper' embouchure which needs only strengthening through use, I try to keep
my instructions to a minimum, as in:-
'The lower lip must not feel 'trapped'. Once the muscle in the lower lip goes
over the edges of the teeth, the lip loses the ability and flexibility to
make the minute changes in texture and position which the ear will determine.
How much or how little lip is over the teeth can not be prescribed."
Arthur

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