Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-10-13 01:57
Thanks for the intelligent and detailed discussion of the "reed alone" exercise, Coop. It really does work for me, too. This takes some doing, but it has made a world -- no, two worlds -- of difference in my actual playing.
Howard wrote:
<<Somehow i feel that following common sense this would mean that the general reed placement would be much further into the mouth to make the exercise possible (seems like more biting), and to add that into the equation, means that the lips shouldnt be rolled into too much when doing this exercise?>>
Au contraire! That's why it's such a bear of an exercise to do -- because you DON'T take in more reed, and you DON'T bite. And when you can tongue on the reed alone and still keep the reed steady, you will have a very nice, firm, steady, open foundation for your embouchure.
And the lips need to be rolled all the way in, too.
I had the same feelings as you do about the "biting" thing. I even asked my teacher how what she was asking me to do was different from "biting" (which I have so rigorously avoided that I haven't got a firm enough embouchure).
Her response was that "biting" refers to clamping down on the reed with the (lip-covered) teeth, while this exercise requires (and develops) strength from the lips. The point of contact with the reed is right where your lips stop and your face starts. My teacher's belief is that the rolled-in lips themselves contribute only padding; the muscle for holding the reed is just outside the lips -- where a rim would form as you whistle.
Again, this is all for the American Scrape reed. I don't know how using a different scrape might affect it. It is possible that American Scrape players take in a bit more reed, anyway, than European scrape players.
[Edit: I just re-read the post from Mosh, who is the one who brought up the "reed only" exercise on this thread. He plays European Scrape, and I suppose his teachers do, too. So, that settles that!]
Susan
Post Edited (2006-10-13 02:05)
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