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Re: How do YOU teach this

Author: nellsonic
Date: 2023-06-14 10:15

I've actually had to tell a couple of younger students to use a little more jaw pressure recently - for the first time ever! Their tone was a bit flabby and spread in the low register despite having solid embouchures and a good sound in the rest of their range. They had overreacted to being told not to bite. (I use "biting" as any excess jaw pressure - so biting is always bad.)

When you say "grip" I think you need to define the term more clearly - are you talking about embouchure or jaw pressure, or both? Embouchure grip and jaw pressure are quite distinct from each other. In my view, the embouchure should be firm, the jaw no firmer than it needs to be, and yes "let the air do the work."

Some players/teachers like Stephen Williamson of the Chicago Symphony believe in a very resistant set up. The considerations there are going to be much different. I don't think it's a good way to go for most, and I really don't think it's great for beginning to intermediate students who will need to bite quite heavily to make it work. Williamson's approach is considered "old school" by many, but there are many "old schools". His concern is projecting to a big hall. With younger students that's usually not a primary focus. Do what works for you in your situation...

Anders

Post Edited (2023-06-14 10:34)

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How do YOU teach this new

SecondTry

2023-06-14 03:47