Problems

Possible Causes

Remedy To The Problem

Correct Result

No Tone, Rushing Air

No pressure of any kind against the reed

Increase lower lip pressure against the reed

Squawk-Like Tone or Flat Pitch

Insufficient pressure against the reed

Too much reed in the mouth

Insufficient intensity in the air flow

Increase the pressure of the lower lip

Take a little less reed in the mouth

Have the student blow more air

Squeaks or Continuous High-Pitched Squeal

Insufficient pressure against the reed

Too much reed in the mouth

Mouthpiece/barrel unit angled too far away from body or that student is looking downward

Increase the pressure of the lower lip

Take a little less reed in the mouth

Raise the head and bring the clarinet closer to the body.

Completely Stopped or Intense Air Only

Too much lip pressure against the reed

Too little reed in the mouth

Reed too soft = stopped sound

Reed too hard = intense air

Decrease the lower lip pressure

Take more reed into the mouth

Get a harder reed

Get a softer reed or shave the hard one down

Thin Tone and Sharpness of Pitch

Too much lower lip pressure against the reed

Insufficient reed in the mouth

Tight closed throat

Decrease the lower lip pressure by taking in a little more reed

Take more reed into the mouth

Have the student say “OH” to open the throat and lower the tongue