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bubbles
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Author:  Tom [ Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  bubbles

I think I may have asked this before on the old forum, but I'm being bugged by bubbles behind my upper lip when playing loud and high. Does anyone have any advice for exercises that might help?

Tom

Author:  TonyH [ Sun Nov 23, 2008 4:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: bubbles

Tom, I think this may be a symptom of allowing the lower jaw to rise. As an experiment, try 'chewing' with the lips together and note that in the 'teeth together' phase of the chew, little air pockets appear behind the whole upper lip structure. I suggest that you consciously try to keep the lower jaw down (as Farkas would have it: 'chin down') as you ascend into the high register. Observe that lowering the jaw, as well as pulling the bottom lip down, also pulls the top lip down slightly so that the flesh above the top lip is more flush to the gum structure above the top teeth, hopefully preventing air bubbles from wandering into that space.
You'll probably lose some high notes at first but regain them as you persevere.

Author:  Tom [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: bubbles

Thanks Tony, I will certainly try that - and look hard in the mirror too. I'm not aware of 'bunching' (too aware of getting and holding the notes!) but your rationale is very convincing.

Tom

(ps, is that picture you are using on this forum the one my wife Jill did of you when you came to Sheffield? It has something of her style about it - and a lot of yours!)

Author:  TonyH [ Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: bubbles

Oops, sorry, Tom, I should have asked Jill's permission - it is indeed that very pen-and-ink drawing. The only one any artist has ever done of me!
I hope she doesn't mind?

Author:  Tom [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 9:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: bubbles

Worry not Tony - she's always glad to see her work in print! She'll be very pleased to know you are using it.
Tom

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