Klarinet Archive - Posting 000496.txt from 2003/02

From: "Holloways" <holloways@-----.za>
Subj: [kl] Embouchure (again!)
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 16:55:56 -0500

Well, thanks to all the experts who gave me their valued opinions on my
problem. I think some may work, but here are my comments in reply.
1) It's not the setup, though I'll certainly try another mouthpiece and
reed. When you're an accomplished player yourself I guess it's easy to make
any student setup work! However, my son played on the same instrument as a
beginner and blew the loose paint off the wall.....
2) Instrument is working 100%.
3) Seems to be some confusion (thanks to me) on which 'E' I was talking
about. It's first line on the staff 'E', not low 'E'. I have on occasion,
though rarely, taken a student down to low 'E' on her second lesson, but
this one is still trying to get a note of any sort to work. Sorry Karl, I've
checked her one finger and one thumb! It's certainly embouchure!
4) Not biting too hard. Tried that. Lots of air coming through, but if she
blows hard she simply plays high 'B'.
5) I think Forest has the best ideas. Overbite should be an advantage,
you're right, that's why I'm baffled. I think 'voicing' as you described it,
could be the problem.

So, I'll try again next week. She'll probably walk in and play the first
movement of the Mozart..............!

Thanks again to all.

Ian H.

---------------------------------------------------------------------