The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: ruben
Date: 2013-11-21 06:50
I saw the "Downing embouchure method" mentioned somewhere. Does anybody know what this consists of? Thank you.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2013-11-21 08:23
Hi Ruben. You may be thinking of Dr Downing's "Playing the Clarinet is EASY !
It's a 32 page book , one of the best basic approaches to teaching the Clarinet without the complex explanations that often befuddle the young and not so young beginner.
He's also had published two small booklets "Clarinettist's Technique Doctor" & Clarinettist's Advanced Technique Doctor" which covers the same details as in the larger book, but small enough for the beginner to put into their pocket ect for quick reference.
It is in these basic references that I first saw it stated that we don't actually 'blow' the Clarinet , we 'breathe' into the Clarinet.
Or to put it in his actual words " Do NOT try to produce a sound by blowing , merely breathe steadily through the mouthpiece at all times." And he goes on to explain (in plain English) this approach, or 'way of thinking ' further.
Skyfacer
Post Edited (2013-11-21 08:25)
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Author: Late_returner
Date: 2013-11-21 10:49
Yes these simple books are helpful in trying to put across embouchure principles and especially improvements you can do at home, without direct teacher observation.
He offers ways that you can check whether you are properly applying the various actions by the results you get. I found it particularly useful in playing his Epilogo, which ends in 7 slow bars on top open C morendoing down to nothing ( actually marked pppp ). When you are happy on this you do feel that the embouchure is developing.
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2013-11-21 18:16
There are two other pocket size booklets in Dr Downing's Clarinet series.
Clarinettist's First Aid Doctor & Clarinettist's Reed Doctor.
There are booklets for other instruments as well. I particularly like the Dr Downing's "Making Oboe Reeds is EASY !
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