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Re: Double Lip Embouchure - Upper Lip Pain

Author: MondeLuna
Date: 2010-08-09 15:26

I play double lip, and I have my whole life. I have also used single lip at the recommendation of symphony clarinetists and other teachers. At the end of the day I always go back to double lip, it is what works for me.

Disclaimer: The only person who ever noticed I played double lip was my 1st clarinet teacher, nobody else notices until I spill the beans.

Anyway that is not the point. I recently got my wisdom teeth pulled and since I couldn't play my clarinet I simply practiced making my embouchure. Since your upper lip hurts maybe you should try this sometimes to give it a rest. You could start with the lower lip flattening the jaw and rolling your bottom lip over the teeth. Then roll your upper lip over and bring the corners in. You should feel a slight stretch in the corners. I am assuming that is where your leak is.

After your lip feels better give it a go on the clarinet, just make sure your corners are in. Also I second the advice about taking in a little more mouthpiece, it always helps. If your lips start to hurt you could always stop practicing or switch to single lip otherwise your embochure is going to be compromised and it won't help you to play double lip during that time anyway.

Hopefully some of this was helpful to you. Best Wishes!

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