Klarinet Archive - Posting 000243.txt from 2003/08

From: =?iso-8859-1?q?Tony=20Pay?= <tony_pay@-----.uk>
Subj: RE: [kl] Mouthpiece patches, stiff upper lip
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2003 08:45:38 -0400

--- Tom.Henson@-----.com wrote: > Tony,
>
> I can't agree with you more in saying that the solution to a biting problem
> is simply to stop. It is entirely feasible that I could have obtained the
> same results simply by addressing the area directly where my problems were;
> putting too much pressure on the reed.

Yes, and I owe you an apology, I think, Tom. I really was being genuinely
truthful when I said that I didn't want to invalidate your positive experience
of trying a double-lip embouchure, but I think I chose my words rather badly.

> In my case, using double lip was simply a means to help me do that and not
> necessarily the ultimate goal. I also wanted to explore why someone of
> Ralph's reputation would be so adamant in using double lip. So there was a
> curiosity at work as well.

It may surprise some people to learn that I quite often suggest trying
double-lip to those of my students who can achieve it.

'Adamant' is another matter, of course:-) That's the sort of thing that gets
me cross.

> Trying to undo a bad habit can be difficult. In forcing myself to use a
> different embouchure, one that by it's nature makes it hard to continue to
> bite, allowed me to retrain the muscles of my mouth to the proper way of
> doing things. Thus it was not an end in itself. That is why I wanted to
> share the process as well as the result.

Absolutely.

> Now that I am doing things properly, I can and do go back to using a single
> lip just as effectively as a double lip. I should have tied it all together.
>
> I think the opinion of Ralph Mclane was that using a single lip embouchure
> is just a crutch in trying to learn/develop the proper way of playing
> clarinet at a faster pace with quicker results.

I don't really understand that bit.

> This can all be avoided if one begins clarinet with proper instruction and
> having a good teacher. Two of which I lacked when starting out. There is a
> very big difference in banging out a scale and playing a musical phrase.
> Double lip in my case helps me do the latter.

I understand. Thanks for your post.

Tony

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