Embouchure
Lets go through the steps to create the proper embouchure and achieve proper placement of the mouthpiece in the embouchure. To begin, we will only need a mirror, the mouthpiece/reed/ligature/barrel put together, and tuner.
Step 1: Make a facial "A" sound.
Act like you are putting Chapstick on your lower lip.
Step 2 - Maintaining the feeling of applying Chapstick, add a facial "Q" sound.
Step 3 - Take the Head and slide the reed side over the top of your lower lip.
Step 4 - Lets get a sound. (Have a tuner open)
- Your chin and lower lip MUST visibly move.
- In the mirror, notice your chin is flat.
Act like you are putting Chapstick on your lower lip.
- Run your finger over your lower lip like it is Chapstick.
- In the mirror, notice your chin is flat.
Step 2 - Maintaining the feeling of applying Chapstick, add a facial "Q" sound.
- Focus on the "oo" sound of the syllable.
Step 3 - Take the Head and slide the reed side over the top of your lower lip.
- About 1/2 inch of the reed should be in your mouth.
- Your top teeth will make contact with the top of the mouthpiece.
- Your lips should seal around the mouthpiece so no air can escape when we blow air.
- While maintaining a flat chin, the angle of the mouthpiece/barrel should be about 35 degrees from your body.
Step 4 - Lets get a sound. (Have a tuner open)
- Take a deep breath through the corners of your mouth.
- Check Steps 1-3
- Blow air through the mouthpiece like "blowing out a candle".
- On the tuner, we want to see F#.