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Re: Squeak squeak freak

Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2017-09-18 04:59

Maybe it's a throat closing issue. You can try a different A fingering, with the right fingers down and using a double lip embouchure for a bit to help open your throat. With the right hand alternate A fingering the A should play better in tune and not pop out, so you will have more control over the note. There are a few different fingerings. Check your meter to see which one tunes the best. I have a favorite using both the left fingers and the right fingers that mellow out the A.

I sadly don't know how to write down this alternate fingering here, but I'm sure someone does. The double lip will take the pressure off of the reed and your mouthpiece, so you shouldn't ever squeak. Also practice backing off the air, but NOT the air support. To learn this technique try blowing up a balloon several times for a few days for a few minutes and take note of what is going on with HOW you are supporting the balloons air flow. This is what you pretty much have to do to support the A without backing of the air flow.

You are not looking for an "O" sound to open your throat. Kind of an euuu, as you go from C# to A. Maybe look at one of Lee Morgan's youtube videos. He has a short clip on what your throat should be doing. Lee is a heck of a player. Went to Interlochen Arts Academy and Cleveland Institute. Main teachers were Fred Ormand and Robert Marcellus. I often talk about the "Ping and the ring," in the sound. Well his sound carries so well in this hall. It's not bright and it it not a dark dead sound.

https://search.aol.com/aol/video?q=lee+morgan+clarinet+teaching+youtube&s_it=video-ans&sfVid=true&videoId=FECC97F13AC0548CBF1FFECC97F13AC0548CBF1F&v_t=loki-keyword

You won't ever squeak again. Best of luck, keep me posted. I'd like to hear how you make out.

Cheers!

Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces

Yamaha Artist 2015

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