I've come to the conclusion (might be wrong!!) that part of the problem I have keeping a relaxed embouchure is that I have quite a pronounced overbite... it is difficult to correct my embouchure without tensing up. I seem to be doing OK despite it, but obviously I'd really like to rid myself of excess tension in the higher reaches of the flute.

Anyone, esp teacher-y folks, got any suggestions on how to start dealing with this? Or is it not something I should worry about?? My upper teeth come a good millimetre or so forward from my lower teeth in my natural mouth-closed position, and overlap them by a couple of millimetres (obviously, I don't tend to have my teeth closed when playing the flute )

I spent five years at a specialist music school trying to correct my 'lop-sided' embouchure, which is due to a mis-alignment between my upper and lower jaw (you wouldn't notice it to look at me, and I knew nothing about it until wisdom teeth came through and the dentist pointed it out). It has never made any difference to my playing, but I was really uptight about it until I had a lesson with Sebastian Bell and his answer to my 'I've tried everything to change it' was ' if it works, why bother?' Over the years I have taught people with all sorts of embouchure problems - it isn't always possible to get the 'perfect' shape, so I try to get them to make the best of what they have. From what you have said, a 1mm or so overbite shouldn't be a huge problem - lots of Wye nuance exercises might help - flexibility in the lower lip/jaw will certainly help.

Haha!



My friend plays the flute (so do i), but she had a lop-sided embouchure! when she moved schools and teachers she managed to get it back to normal! perhaps it was some advice her new teacher gave her?

i am NOT saying change teacher!!! i dont know what you should do... il ask my friend.

xxx

Some flutey people recommend those with a central embouchure to adapt to a to-the-side one

I don't know if it is hindering me or not. Argh. Guess I need to try and get to my teacher for a lesson or two... it's a pain without transport