The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-01-10 02:06
I've recently found out that I have been biting and that my tongue position was wrong. So, I've been trying to change both. So, I've decided to try double lip for a few weeks (I've done this for 2 days now, so I'm just starting).
I can get the whole double lip idea and I can form and play it just fine. I actually love how resonate my tone is and I think it sounds better than before. But when I put the whole high/forward tongue position, I get a really sore muscle under my chin. I think instead of doing "eeee" inside my mouth, I am forming the "E", but then I'm trying to say "ah" at the same time, so it it kind of makes this soreness in my lower chin (the corner of where the chin and neck pretty much meet, or right under where your tongue would lie.). I really want to learn these concepts right to improve my problems (which I know the double lip has instantly cured the biting).
I'm sort of frustrated about this chin pain and I was wondering if anyone had any techniques that could help me! I'm really trying my hardest to do it right, but I seem to be defeated every time by this lower chin pain.
Thank you in advance!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: ClariBone
Date: 2006-01-10 02:26
Carrie
Hey!!!
Before trying to fix all this stuff, have you talked to your teacher (or prospective teacher)? I'd talk to them and at least have them monitor your progress, or give you suggestions. A good rule of thumb that I try to live by is that if it sounds good, don't change it. Just because it works for Ridenour doesn't mean it'll work the best for you.
Clayton
P.S. Expect an email soon!!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: RodRubber
Date: 2006-01-10 05:08
Hey Calrinetgirl -
Contact me offline about your dilemma
Best Regards
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tyler
Date: 2006-01-10 21:02
Remember, Carrie, don't FORCE the "eeh" position. Tension will ruin the effects of high tongue by adding too much embouchure pressure.
I think I'm going to go on a long-term double-lip trial, as well. Many people have praised it and I have only experimented with it a little. I've never gone "all-out, all-the-time" with it, but I think I'm going to now.
fwiw
-Tyler
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2006-01-11 00:35
The pain was a lot better today. Now, how can I figure out how to cure this kind of bumping/wobbling/moving up and down of the mp in my mouth during fast passages? Any excerises I can do?
I like double lip with my neckstrap too.
Tyler- what does fwiw mean? Good luck with your endevours too! We can compare results in a few weeks!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Tyler
Date: 2006-01-11 01:32
fwiw=for what it's worth.
Keith Stein talks about the 'wobbling' in his book. He attributes most of it to either tension in the arms/hands/shoulders/etc. or not firm enough pressure against the upper lip, which takes time to callous (sp?).
-Tyler
Post Edited (2006-01-13 01:50)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: crnichols
Date: 2006-01-11 16:44
Since you indicated that you were biting, that means that instead of supporting the mouthpiece primarily with the sides of the embouchure, you were using jaw pressure. Once you switch to double lip, you discover that biting equals pain, and pain is bad. It also feels like you have less control and stability, but that's because you aren't able to use the crutch of biting. You need to focus on holding the mouthpiece in your mouth with the sides of your mouth, ooo with the lips, eee with the tongue. It really is that simple. You can find that in Bonades writings on the clarinet. As you continue with double lip, your cheek muscles with grow stronger and you will be able to not only form a great double lip embouchure, but a great single lip embouchure as well. With single lip, the only difference should be that the teeth rest on the mouthpiece directly instead of the upper lip. The lips should do almost all of the work in either embouchure.
Christopher Nichols
1st Infantry Division Band
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
|