 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: janlynn
Date: 2012-09-23 13:42
okay folks, being new to teaching i have my first experience with a student puffing out his cheeks.
i didnt want to embarrass myself by coming here and asking for advice, but - frankly, i dont know how to correct it.
suggestions please?
thanks, Jan
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2012-09-23 14:07
Have the student concentrate on keeping the corners of their lips firm and the cheeks in. Some young people start off with little ability (in the musculature) to direct the air flow -- it has to be developed.
If you continue to have difficulty, you might try this:
Get a sip stick (the small straw they put in your Vodka Tonics) and have them blow through that -- concentrating again on the corners and cheeks. They will succeed immediately in keeping the cheeks in with minimal effort. A soda straw doesn't really provide enough resistance (but it's better than nothing), and a coffee stir often has to much (but again...better than nothing).
The sip stick is also a great place to clear up some tonguing issues, if they have them.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2012-09-23 14:33
Two or three coffee stirrers give the right resistance for me.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Buster
Date: 2012-09-23 21:59
Telling a student to not do something is a sure fire cure to ensure that they continue to suffer current ailments.
Inviting them to experience a playing experience where they simply allow the cheeks to remain in a more neutral/natural poised position may afford more success than constant harping/whipping over "proper" positions codified by a nameless dead pedagogue.
And while ballooning cheeks are a generic no-no, I have seen an oft praised and worshipped clarinet-God allowing the cheeks to pillow out a bit.
Sippy straws may help, along with the vodka for your own sanity; I tend to prefer gin, whiskey or highland Scotch for mental stability. Properly prepared, these drinks require no sippy straws. Your student may benefit as well from the lack of sippy straw-type gadgets and an invitation to allow the cheeks to remain more stable.
Just a thought
-Jason
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2012-09-23 23:01
That's why the sip stick was recommended if simple instructions didn't produce the desired result.
James
Gnothi Seauton
Post Edited (2012-09-23 23:02)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2012-09-25 02:41
Not for nothing, but I can't seem to whistle with puffed out cheeks. Maybe have the student whistle and get an idea of the cheeks during that and see if he/she can transfer it to playing?
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-09-26 13:36
Another idea is to have them practice a few minutes in front of a mirror with a straw and to blow through it with their embouchure shaped as close as possilbe. Have them do it with you for a few minutes each lesson too until they can transfer it to the mouthpiece.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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