Clarinet Embouchure

Question 1

Squeaks, high squeal (solutions - 4)

Answer 1

1. Stop tone; increase pressure.
2. Use less mouthpiece.
3. Stop tone; bring clarinet closer to body.
4. Clip the reed.

Question 2

Squawk, flat pitch (problems - 4)

Answer 2

1. Insufficient pressure against reed.
2. Too much reed in the mouth.
3. Insufficient intensity in airflow.
4. Soft reed.

Question 3

Squawk, flat pitch (solutions - 4)

Answer 3

1. Increase lower lip pressure.
2. Less mouthpiece in mouth.
3. Use faster air.
4. Clip the reed.

Question 4

Stopped or intense air (causes - 3)

Answer 4

1. Too little reed in the mouth.
2. Too much lip pressure.
3. Stopped = soft reed; Intense = hard reed; Stopped and Intense = hard reed

Question 5

Stopped or intense air (solutions - 3)

Answer 5

1. Take more mouthpiece.
2. Less biting: check for bunched chin.
3. Clip for soft reed; sand for hard.

Question 6

No tone, rushing air (problems - 3)

Answer 6

1. Too much mouthpiece.
2. Not enough lip pressure.
3. Reed too hard.

Question 7

No tone, rushing air (solutions - 3)

Answer 7

1. Take less mouthpiece.
2. Increase lower lip pressure.
3. Sand the reed.

Question 8

Thin, sharp pitch (problems - 3)

Answer 8

1. Too little reed.
2. Tight, closed throat.
3. Hard reed.

Question 9

Thin, sharp pitch (solutions - 3)

Answer 9

1. Take more mouthpiece.
2. “Oh” position and review sigh.
3. Sand reed.

Question 10

Squeaks, high squeal (problems - 4)

Answer 10

1. Insufficient pressure against reed.
2. Too much reed in mouth.
3. Clarinet angled too far from body.
4. Soft reed.