The tongue muscle

Greetings,

Once again the important subject of the tongue...

Position and use of the tongue muscle in wind or brass playing is second only in importance to air usage.

This week it occurred to me the students with seeming air flow problems could actually be restricting their air with some portion of their tongue...soooo....I studied images of the tongue muscle and saw that it is probable that the epiglottis is closed or partially closed while these students are blowing, causing inefficient use of air and tension in the throat.

Since I think it helps to picture what you are trying to feel, I posted a tongue image with labels.

The epiglottis of your tongue releases when you whisper "eh, eh, eh, eh, eh." (It is a relaxed, gentle, clicking sound.

Try whispering this just before you play (without breathing in between the "saying" and the "playing") and compare the position of the epiglottis when you are actually playing. Can you keep the epiglottis released while you play?

Best,
Catherine

Buzzing and Balanced Embouchure

Greetings,

Correct body mapping of the atlas occipital joint (versus the jaw) is helpful in creating a balanced embouchure and assisting with your buzzing. Remember that your atlas occipital joint (where your skull balances on your spine) is located between your ears--BEHIND your tongue and soft palate.



Balanced use of the zygomatic major and triangularis muscles of the face also contribute to a balanced embouchure.






Check out this link at Google books to see part of The Artist's Complete Guide to Facial Expression by Gary Faigin. A Great resource!

Hope these thoughts are helpful.
Catherine

The best "slant" on flute embouchure

Greetings,

I sometimes compare the forward position of the upper lip which directs the air into the flute headjoint, to the way a turtle appears. The upper lip lifts and moves forward, exposing the wet, underneath tissue of the upper lip as the lower lip slides into the pocket between the upper lip and upper teeth for maximum air speed and direction control, creating a downward slant between the lips.

The specific image that is in my mind is Cecil Turtle from the Bugs Bunny cartoons I first saw as a child.

You may view these cartoons here, for both your education and your amusement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNRB5MlgHF8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSWjXvr4E1M&feature=related

I hope this turtle image is useful for your embouchure formation.

Best,
Catherine