Great video!

Brilliant video Christ, thank you very much indeed!! I took up the soprano saxophone last Christmas, and I have been struggling with my embouchure so this will help me lots!! I've found that I get squeaks occasionally, although it's getting a bit better. My practice today was better than yesterday's which went seriously pair shaped! Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for this exercise which I am sure will make a massive difference to my playing. I will make it part of my practice tomorrow! I know that people say that the soprano is much harder than the alto (which I also play), so I've gotta keep persevering. I'm hugely grateful to you for the help and advice you are giving.

@chrisjollymusic

Жыл бұрын

Hi Carolyn. It's fantastic to hear of your musical journey and that the material I am putting up on KZread is helping you. It is a case of little and often when it comes to developing an embouchure and particularly with the soprano which needs a far smaller embouchure due to the size of the mouthpiece. Keep up the hard work. Chris

@carolynking4828

Жыл бұрын

@@chrisjollymusic Thank you so much Chris. Have a lovely day!

Thanks. I recently developed jaw pain (left side) and realized I've been not using my embouchure correctly.

@chrisjollymusic

Ай бұрын

Glad this helped and hope the pain has stopped. A strong and consistent embouchure is essential!

I just tried a variation on your exercise near the end. Putting thumb and forefinger to each corner of the mouth (a little like the way some people whistle loudly), and then drawing them together as much as possible against some resistance, and then forcing them apart a little ways. Repeat until fatigued, I suppose. I can feel the workout pretty quickly.

@chrisjollymusic

Жыл бұрын

Great variation on the exercise! Hope it helps. Of course nothing can replicate actually getting the instrument in your mouth but sometimes we need an alternative. All the best and thanks for watching. Chris

Thanks Chris, I'm a beginner and trying to build up some stamina!! I find that whistling (when nobody can hear me) really helps to train the embouchure. I have only just learnt to whistle since I have started the saxophone. Is this strange? I hope it's a good sign. I watched another vid where they advise blowing through the saxo with top teeth showing. It was really difficult but I can now do it! I would be grateful for any advise you have for increasing stamina. Thanks :-)

@chrisjollymusic

Жыл бұрын

Hi Rosalind. I have never thought of whistling and the benefits to the embouchure but I can see the link as lip shape needed to whistle is sure to use the same muscles. As for stamina there is unfortunately no shortcut, it's a case of little and often to strengthen the embouchure muscles and also get used to the physical (and mental) strain it can put on your body. One important thing to think about is posture, this can have a direct impact on how tired you get and also ensure you don't injure your back or neck. Investing in a good quality sling and having it adjusted to the correct height is also essential. Hope this helps, any more questions please do get in touch. Chris.

@rosalindbarbier7670

Жыл бұрын

@@chrisjollymusic Thank-you :-)

What breathing exercises do you recommend

@chrisjollymusic

Жыл бұрын

Maybe some of the exercises I mention on this my "breathing in" video will help? kzread.info/dash/bejne/lWaV08WgnJqtppc.html Thanks for watching

Have a real problem keeping good timing

@chrisjollymusic

5 ай бұрын

Metronome - slow and steady. The more you work with a metronome and become more aware of timing the better you'll get.

My top teeth hurt when I set them on the top of the mouthpiece

@chrisjollymusic

5 ай бұрын

There shouldn't be any pain when setting your embouchure. Try to work on the strength of the sides of your embouchure with a strong 'ooo' shape. Top teeth should be resting with as little pressure as possible. You could also try a mouthpiece patch that may make it a little more comfortable.