 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nicc
Date: 2006-02-26 16:20
I've been playing clarinet for 7 years and as far as I know this is a recent problem (I have not noticed it until recently). When I play, there is often air escaping from the sides of my mouth. I notice it especially when I play scales, although it happens in my pieces too (I probably don't notice so much becuase I am concentrating more). There are a couple of possible reasons for this that I can think of, but I'm not an expert so any help on figuring out the real problem would be great. Firstly, I recently moved from a 2 1/2 to a 3 reed, as I found that it is not possible to produce quality-sounding altissimo notes with the 2 1/2. I wondered if using a thicker reed has caused this problem. If so, will my embouchure eventually change to allow for this?
Secondly, I wear braces. I have had them on the front of my teeth, top and bottom, for at least a year. However, my teeth have moved alot - the two front teeth used to overlap whereas now I have a large gap. Could this be the problem, or a contributing factor?
I really want to sort this problem out as I have a competition in a couple of weeks! Thanks
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Author: 3dogmom
Date: 2006-02-26 21:11
If you made a recent change and have a recent problem, I would guess that the two could be related. But you should be certainly able to play with a 3, especially if you're of a level where you're entering into a competition.
I would first suggest that you take this problem to your teacher, if you have one. If you're not studying with anybody, this would be the time to consider such a move.
I woud try some other reeds. Keep your practice sessions to a consistent length, but do not overdo. Right now, I'd take one day off. Come back and practice some long tones. I might suggest viewing your embouchure as a circular thing - consistent firmness needs to be present all around, not just on the top and bottom. No biting.
Your teeth can move pretty quickly. If you've had your braces tightened recently, that could change things. If that's the case, you'll adjust soon.
Good luck.
Sue Tansey
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Author: hans
Date: 2006-02-26 22:16
Nicc,
Re: "I wondered if using a thicker reed has caused this problem"... you could go back to your 2.5 and see if that helps to define the problem.
Regards,
Hans
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2006-02-27 07:12
Nicc,
I learnt this here - thanks, guys:
Practice a long bottom E. Start pp, bring it slowly up to ff, and take it back to pp again. Listen. The object of the exercize is tone, tuning, and playing with a constant embouchure that doesn't leak as you get louder.
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Author: pcrispino32
Date: 2006-02-27 08:47
think of bringing your lips to a point at your mouthpiece. you're probably just spreading your lips thin and being 'lazy' with your embouchure. 'pucker' when you play, that should help.
PC
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Author: Nicc
Date: 2006-02-27 19:44
Thanks I'll try your suggestions. I hope that I don't have to go back to my 2 1/2 though, becuase I find my overally quality so much better with a 3.
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