 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-07-22 20:15
A question to anyone who puffs their cheeks while playing:
I've always avoided doing this just because I had always been taught to do so. But recently, while buzzing the hardest/chokiest reeds I can find on my walk to/from work, I find that my right cheek and lip puffs in spite of myself.
I was just wondering what people who puff their cheeks while playing make of the whole notion.
Thanks.
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2010-07-22 22:16
From what I have been taught (not to mention what I personally have experienced), if you are puffing your cheeks, you are most likely biting on the reed.
I was taught to keep the center of the mouth relatively soft and round, and to "squeeze in" the corners of the mouth only. I don't see how one could puff their cheeks while squeezing in the corners of the mouth.
Susan
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2010-07-22 22:18
I've seen some orchestral players on telly puffing their lips (usually the top lip), but not their cheeks.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: mschmidt
Date: 2010-07-23 02:27
My first teacher's cheeks puffed out because of what he described as muscle hernia in his cheeks. Apparently Dizzy Gillespie had a similar problem. I hope this is not the case for you.
Mike
Still an Amateur, but not really middle-aged anymore
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Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-07-23 12:55
I wish it were this simple, but my walking-buzzing exercise is precisely to promote:
1. dropping the jaw
2. strengthening the solar-plexus (& diaphragm)
3. keeping the reed tip as far out as possible
4. keeping the lips in front of the teeth.
This has shown great benefit to when I put the reed back in the oboe.
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-07-23 12:58
I don't think I have any physical issues right now, but it is precisely to prevent them that I asked the question: I'm glad you mentioned it.
There is definitely no arguing against Dizzy or even Louis Armstrong. But I'm not sure it's for everyone.
For now, I place the index finger of the hand holding the reed on my cheek to support it. This will not strengthen it, but it will prevent distending and tiring the muscles.
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-07-23 16:56
HOW NICE to have Baroque repertoire played so well on a modern instrument! Purists can [censored]! But I must admit I'm still a fan of the baroque instrument. I won't buy one just because, as a hobbyist now, I prefer the chromatic ease of the modern key-work.
It kind of sounds like Maestro Schilli plays a Loree. Well, there's definitely no arguing with his performance.... though I prefer not to look at him.
The pitch seems to rise and fall with emotion: I like that - somehow, it's not out of tune, just colourful!
Notice his embouchure. Someone here mentioned that France uses "hard-lip" (tight smile instead of dropping the jaw), it kind-of looks like he's doing that. I can imagine that hard-lip allows for less control over the cheeks. In my case, there is a definite imbalance between the left and the right. Perhaps I should concentrate on eating on the left side for a while to soften the muscles....
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2010-07-24 11:36
Hi RobinDesHautbois
ideally one should avoid puffing out ones cheeks, as it implies a lack of muscular control and may lead to other complications. This is best done while practising long notes and concentrating on ones embouchure, all while observing oneself in a mirror.
Regarding Stefan Schilli, I'm sure he would be the first to admit his solutions may not suit the majority. But as one of the world's truly great players, it's hard to argue with his results. I was in the same oboe class with him 1989-91, studying under Thomas Indermuhle. My goodness, he was pretty incredible, even back then. I cannot strongly recommend enough acquiring his CD of Albinoni Oboe concertos with the Stuttgart Kammerorchester.
These recordings are some of the best Albinoni performances one can buy, in my honest opinion. His new recording of the Strauss/Martinu, etc. oboe concertos is also quite excellent. The Albinoni cd would be money well spent!!!
Best wishes
James
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2010-07-25 03:58
I find my cheeks puff out once in awhile if I'm really, really tired.
It's possible to puff out one's cheeks while holding the corners of your mouth tight/in; in that instance, though, I would think the oral cavity had too much pressure in it! The idea is to FOCUS the sound toward the reed (sort of like a straw) and not let the pressure push out one's cheeks like a balloon.
However, I'm not an analyzer of embouchure, either mine or anyone else's. While I was taught to (and have the best tonal success this way) keep the jaw open, relax the throat, aim for 'round'-ness, etc. I would never condemn anyone (especially a fellow amateur!) for 'slipping' with an occasional 'bite' or puff of the cheek!
With the appropriate amount of pressure, I'm talking inside the mouth cavity, your cheeks should not generally puff out. But in THIS instance I'm talking more like a nurse than some of the professionals who regularly contribute to this wonderful space.
GoodWinds
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Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-07-25 17:02
Amateur or not, I used to be pro. level and I'd like to return to that level (admissible to an M.Mus.) at least by the time I retire... I have quite some time left although one can HOPE for a very early retirement!
Thank you and James for your tips: I will use them. It's possible that my walk-buzzing might be over-tiring the muscles - just like weed-whacking my entire lawn today got my arms shaking (it rained a lot these past few weeks... the mower doesn't cut it)! It's possible that working the air strong and fast is fine for the gut but risky for the smaller facial muscles.
I'll continue with less pressure and easier reeds. Hopefully, this will still help me gain the strength back like the days I was able to do 6-8 hours a day without worry.
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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