Sax Embouchure

Question 1

Example 4: Rough Squak

Answer 1

Causes

• too much mouthpiece in mouth
• reed too stiff

Remedies

• less mouthpiece in mouth
• make sides and heart of reed lighter

Question 2

Producing sound that has poor intonation. What are two causes?

Answer 2

• tenseness of throat

- inconsistency of adjustments in pads

Question 3

Example 6: Weak and Nasal

Answer 3

Cause
- air stream is too slow

Remedy
- use faster air with resistance from mouthpiece

Question 4

A student is producing a wobbly sound. What is the cause of this problem?

Answer 4

Upper lip instead of teeth touching the mouthpiece

Question 5

A student is producing a rough Squak. What are 2 cause of this problem?

Answer 5

• reed too stiff

- too much mouthpiece in mouth

Question 6

A student is producing a weak and nasal sound. What is the cause of this problem?

Answer 6

• air stream is too slow

Question 7

A student is producing a choked sound. What are 4 remedies for this problem?

Answer 7

• say “A” and “Q”, lip form to teeth, pressure from jaw
• think of a “dot” 1/2 inch from top of reed in mouth
• try mouthpieces that blow easily
• get reed with more heart

Question 8

A student is able to produce a sound with just the mouthpiece, but when added to the instrument it seems to blow hard. What could be the cause of this problem?

Answer 8

Poor pads and/or keys

Question 9

A student is able to produce a sound with just the mouthpiece, but when added to the instrument it seems to blow hard. What could be a remedy for this problem?

Answer 9

Check octave keys, look for bent keys, bad pads

Question 10

A student is producing a weak and nasal sound. What is the a remedy for this problem?

Answer 10

Use faster air with resistance from mouthpiece

Question 11

Example 2: Choked Sound

Answer 11

Causes

• reed too thin
• too much pressure from lower lip
• too little mouthpiece in mouth
• lay of mouthpiece too close

Remedies

• say “A” and “Q”, lip firm to teeth, pressure from jaw
• think of a “dot” 1/2 inch from tip of reed in mouth
• try mouthpieces that blow easily
• get reed with more heart

Question 12

Example 3: Wobbly Sound

Answer 12

Cause
- Upper lip instead of teeth touching the mouthpiece

Remedy
- anchor teeth to mouthpiece first

Question 13

Example 5: Blows Hard with Leak in Lower Register Pads

Answer 13

Cause
- poor pads and/or keys

Remedy
- Check octave keys, look for bent keys, bad pads

Question 14

A student is producing a wobbly sound. What is a remedy for this problem?

Answer 14

Anchor teeth to mouthpiece first

Question 15

A student is producing a rough squak. What are 2 remedies for this problem?

Answer 15

• Less mouthpiece in mouth

- Make sides and heart of reed lighter

Question 16

A student is producing a choked sound. What are 4 causes of this problem?

Answer 16

• reed too thin
• too much pressure from lower lip
• too little mouthpiece in mouth
• lay of mouthpiece too close

Question 17

Example 7: Poor intonation due to tenseness in the throat

Answer 17

Causes

• tenseness in throat
• inconsistency of adjustments in pads

Remedies

• sing and match tones using “ah”
• check thickness of opening when pads are open

Question 18

A student is producing a sound with poor intonation. What are 2 remedies for this problem?

Answer 18

• sing and match tones using “ah”

- check thickness of opening when pads are open