The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Tired mouth problems

Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2014-07-26 18:22

Joan -

I've never seen the terms "single embouchure" or "double embouchure." I'm sure Barry Vincent was referring to "single lip embouchure" (where the upper teeth rest on top of the mouthpiece) and "double lip embouchure" (where the upper lip is between the upper teeth and the top of the mouthpiece).

Assuming that you don't have a nerve problem (such as Bell's palsey or focal dystonia), you can strengthen your embouchure muscles by playing long tones.

You can also hold the clarinet more vertical, open your jaw only slightly and form an embouchure. Then "pierce" the embouchure by bringing the clarinet up to your lips and sliding the mouthpiece tip between your lips. Tom Ridenour has a good explanation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWP22w28Jak, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FObgaNh9DQ&index=1&list=RD4FObgaNh9DQ and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E03zHygaXhU.

Going to a softer reed and increasing your support (concentrating on keeping a strong airstream and voicing the tone as if you were singing) will also help.

You might also move down to the 2nd or 3rd clarinet section, if you haven't done that already.

Ask the conductor if you can switch over to flute when your clarinet embouchure gets tired. I'm sure there will be no problem if you switch at the next break, or even between pieces.

Ken Shaw

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics

Author

Date

Tired mouth problems new

kitsy7

2014-07-26 10:48