Klarinet Archive - Posting 000052.txt from 2008/12

From: Ed Wojtowicz <ewoj@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] embouchure problems
Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:45:56 -0500

A couple of thoughts- make sure that you are giving yourself adequate
rest, both during your practice sessions, as well as in between. You
may be fatigued. You might also try practicing double lip, as it
would help you to avoid biting and develop greater control with your
lips.

Good luck,

Ed

On Dec 16, 2008, at 10:15 PM, Angelia Fagg wrote:

>
> Dear list,
>
> I'm hoping someone can help me with a very annoying problem with my
> embouchure. I recently had to stop playing for several months
> because of various health problems. When I could play again, I
> started out with scales and long tones, then played through all my
> intermediate books and easier pieces before I went back to the
> Mozart and Schuman I was working on when I got sick. (I haven't
> even tried the Brahms Sonata again yet-- I know those leaps at the
> beginning would kill me right now!) Since I started back, I've
> noticed that I am biting the mouthpiece, hard enough to make my
> teeth ache for hours afterward. There's a visible dent inside my
> lower lip, and my upper teeth feel like someone tried to pull them
> all out. (One of the "various health problems" was having my upper
> wisdom teeth pulled, and, yes, that is exactly what it feels
> like!) I can't find any leaks in the clarinet, and I don't think
> the reed is too hard--the tone sounds as good as it ever did. I am
> having problems getting my control back, especially when going from
> one register to another. I also have trouble with two notes--
> clarion D (fourth line) and A (one ledger line). They both sound
> stuffy, and sometimes don't sound immediately, especially after a
> wider interval. If I play f-g-a-b, it plays ok (but, like I said,
> kind of stuffy), but if I play f-a, it might come out, and it might
> hesitate for a second. Same thing with the D, only it's more likely
> to squeak. I haven't had problems with squeaks for years and
> years, and this is driving me crazy!!!!! I have no idea if all
> these problems are related, if there's something wrong with the
> clarinet, or if it's just because I'm so frustrated with the lack
> of control. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!
>
> Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!
>
> Angelia
>
>

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