TUNES & TOOLS

Purpose: Even more flexible embouchure.

Credit: Conor Crimmins - Limerick, Ireland 2016

 

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As in the previous exercise, allow the embouchure to 'give up' to relax. If the pitch lowers, that’s a positive sign. Now, we will stretch the embouchure even further. The note B is typically the easiest for this exercise.

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• Form the inside of your mouth to match the note you intend to play; in this case, B.

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• Without the flute, whistle the note B, then slightly open your mouth.

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• Now, blow into the flute on the note B in this exact position, using a minimal amount of air.

  • A very small quantity of air is required.

  • If you think it sounds 'mysterious' or 'odd', then you’ve likely succeeded!

  • If you don’t achieve a whistle tone now, that’s okay.

  • The objective is to stretch the embouchure.

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Now, we’ll transition from this 'whistle-B' back to a regular B.

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• Reverse the embouchure from the whistle tone all the way up to a robust and clear B.

 

• Visualize a 'spectrum of relaxation' for your embouchure.

  • On one end, it’s stretched into what’s known as a 'smiley embouchure'.

  • On the other end, it’s completely relaxed.

  • The goal is to stretch the embouchure from one end of the spectrum to the other, without resorting to a smiley embouchure.

  • This practice will significantly enhance your awareness of where your embouchure should be positioned to produce the best possible tone.