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Re: Student with Cleft Lip

Author: SecondTry
Date: 2021-08-14 21:12

I would imagine there to also be several medical factors to consider as it regards whether this student should try clarinet or the likelihood that his birth defect won't get in the way to the point of the effort proving futile--as if clarinet weren't frustrating enough for the beginner sans anatomical limits.

I don't mean my--what I hope--desire for objective clinical findings here to get in the way of hope or the degree to which the human spirit can overcome adversity, but there are all types of clefts, of all different sizes, and I am assuming that this has been repaired at some point in his life, and has healed for some duration of time.

Perhaps a medicinal consult as it regards his ability to maintain a seal around the mouthpiece, and the stresses this places on whatever limitations his wound may present might be indicated.

Interestingly enough I'd be curious to know if, on the one hand, double lip embouchure was anatomically impossible, or ironically enough, exactly the needed approach: the top teeth sealing on the inside upper left before the point of cleft.

...interesting, inspiration stuff. I'm curious to hear about this going forward.