Bassoon Embouchure

Question 1

The bassoon player is in general playing sharp. What are the possible causes for this?

Answer 1

• reed is too hard
• bocal is too short
• tension in the shoulders

Question 2

A beginning BASSOON student is producing a low pitch crow with too few sounds. What are the causes of this problem? What are the remedies?

Answer 2

• Lack of embouchure support - More embouchure support to dampen reed
• Reed is too long and/or too wide - Change length and/or width of the reed

Question 3

A beginning BASSOON student is producing an unsupported sound on low F. What are the causes? What are the remedies for this problem?

Answer 3

• Lack of air support - faster air stream. more support from diaphragm
• Lack of support from lower jaw - slightly increase lower jaw support

Question 4

A beginning BASSOON student is producing a high pitch crow with too few sounds. What are the causes? What are the remedies?

Answer 4

• reed is too stiff, closed off - check thickness of reed, balance in cane
• embouchure too tight/pinched - decrease pressure in embouchure, more relaxed

Question 5

The bassoon player is in general playing flat. What are the possible causes of this problem?

Answer 5

• reed not hard enough
• bocal too long
• embouchure too relaxed