 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Malcolm
Date: 2009-07-09 13:27
73 year old newbie with dentures - Like most newbies I'm having trouble getting the sound of a note, in both the upper and lower register. Getting better each day, however. Along with the note sound I hear air rushing from the corners of my mouth. Long story short.....
Would those pads for the mouth piece help and if not what would you recommend.
Thank you.
Malcolm
Post Edited (2009-07-09 14:07)
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-07-09 14:23
Hi, Malcolm,
Mouthpiece patches mainly act as a cushioning interface between the top of the mouthpiece and the front teeth. I doubt that they will stop the air leaks. Sounds like you need to work on making sure your lips seal entirely around the mouthpiece. If nothing else, check into a lesson or two with a local teacher to work on embouchure.
Jeff
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2009-07-09 22:02
To add to the above comment, I would say that you need to think of using all the muscles around the mouthpiece (think of your lips as a rubberband around the entire mouthpiece). DO NOT think "smile." If you can think of the muscles you use when you try to get a thick shake through a straw, and just apply that blowing out ........ you'll be a lot closer.
...........Paul Aviles
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2009-07-10 01:30
Michelle Gingras has some great how-to videos on You Tube. She has a helpful one about the clarinet embouchure, and here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SlFgO4
Most people play single lip embouchure, but for some people, double lip works better. You could try it both ways to see which is more comfortable for you. Double lip might help with the air leak problem.
I've used mouthpiece pads at times, although I'm not currently using one. They're very cheap, and you could try one to see if you like it. If you don't, you can peel it right off.
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Author: Curinfinwe
Date: 2009-07-10 01:38
One thing someone said to me once that helped is to think of your embouchure as a bag, and your mouth is the drawstring, around the mouthpiece.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2009-07-10 04:05
As we age it is more difficult to hold the instrument steady. I would suggest two things....1. put a thick patch on the mouthpiece 2. use a neck strap....BG makes one. Work slowly on the leaking air problem. If the embouchure is too loose then air will escape. Look at the post on Joe Allard and his toothpicks. Even Joe Allard had to apply enough corner pressure to stop air escaping. As people have suggested you must apply pressure all around the mouthpiece. If you have trouble then try a softer reed. Have fun.
Freelance woodwind performer
Post Edited (2009-07-10 22:10)
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Author: Malcolm
Date: 2009-07-11 01:39
Thanks for the information. This is just going to take a little longer than I thought.
Gotta go practice.
Post Edited (2009-07-11 01:40)
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