Hi all,

Just wondered if I could ask a question.

I'm really a flute player, and teacher, but have been asked to teach clarinet and sax so am learning fast!!

Am finding clarinet embouchure and tone fine, and getting used to the fingerings. With sax, fingerings are fine, and most notes, but I'm having problems with the notes G to C (above middle C). I find they either come out hissy when I start playing them, or else sound up an 8ve.

Any advice?

Thanks!

LD

It could be a leak somewhere

Chris

Many of my beginners have this problem - especially adults, as they tend to be more tense!

Make sure you aren't playing with clarinet embouchure - the bottom lip needs to come out slightly to form a sort of cushion against the mouthpiece. If it's folded over the teeth like the clarinet embouchure, it will be too tight and squeaky.

Next, make sure your throat is nice and open (imagine you are singing a loud, low note) and that there's no tension in the mouth and throat area.

It would be best if you could find someone to show you - not sure I've explained it very well!

I like that description elliewelly : and I agree with the last sentence, definitely.

I do find clarinet players are surprised with how different it feels playing a saxophone down low. Only thing I can really add to elliewelly's excellent advice is to make sure there's loads of diaphragm support.

You probably need more air support and a lower jaw than you think you do.

(I know I do, the jaw thing is probably top of the list of 4 things I've taken away to work on following last week's sax summer school)