Klarinet Archive - Posting 000500.txt from 2003/02

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Embouchure
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 20:57:02 -0500

At 06:43 PM 2/17/2003 +0200, Ian H. wrote:
>As a teacher with thirty years experience it's not often I ask for help. I
>have a beginner pupil who seems to have a 'normal' mouth position but is
>unable to play 'E' without overblowing to 'B'. I've tried all the usual
>tricks with angling and 'ins and outs' of the mouthpiece, but she can only
>just produce an 'E' with the clarinet angled very high and the mouthpiece
>barely in her mouth. She has a slight case of overbite, but it's almost
>nothing.
>
>She's just had her second lesson with me and we're both pretty frustrated.
>Does anyone have a quick fix for me, other than suggesting a different
>instrument? As I said, I've solved this problem before and this is the first
>time nothing seems to work. Thanks!

Assuming you have tried the instrument yourself and found it OK, I would
suggest that the student's embouchure is too tight or she is biting. Also
try getting her to open up the oral cavity/throat more. But make sure
there are no leaks in the horn, ESPECIALLY in the upper joint. A leak
there can work effectively as a "register key."

Bill Hausmann

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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