Author: Oboe Craig
Date: 2011-11-01 23:32
There is some great advice throughout this thread.
I'd add a couple things to help you refine the embouchure demands.
I agree with getting a lighter reed, but also one with sufficient tip characteristics that you can play up to pitch with no downward pressure from your embouchure.
On really new reeds that hang a tad low in pitch, other good players advise allowing for a little 'inward' pressure on your embouchure provided its only used to support the low d and below range.
In practice, I do this, in theory I prefer not to and being honest, probably 1/2 of my concert-worthy reeds hang a tad low on low d and below and I know how to accommodate them, and its really important to not have that extra tension infect any of your higher ranges.
To use your non-playing time to build 'strength' there are a couple things I do, still after 40 years of playing.
1) Carry a staple, form a good imitation of an embouchure on the corked end, and then blow as if playing mf tone, actually do a range from pp - ff - pp and isolate the abdomen's support of the sound.
2) Imitate that example using the tip of your (freshly cleaned) little finger. This is good for appreciating the embouchure's minimal role of cushion and air seal.
3) Always form an 'oh' syllable, even if you prefer a slightly more closed throat position.
Enjoy,
-Craig
Post Edited (2011-11-02 16:46)
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