2 - More Setup and Holding

Setting up the Clarinet Mouthpiece
2
Forming the Clarinet Embouchure
Flatten your bottom lip and make sure the red part of your lip is over the ridge of your
bottom teeth. (Pretend you are putting chap-stick on the lip). Avoid having the red part of
your lip all on the inside of your teeth (or outside).
Place the clarinet mouthpiece in your mouth (reed down on the lower lip). Set the reed on
your lower lip and let it anchor down the flat, red part of the lip and keep the chin flat. Bring
the top teeth down onto the top of the mouthpiece
Bite down with the top teeth onto the mouthpiece putting 1/4 inch of the mouthpiece into
your mouth. Close your mouth around the mouthpiece like a drawstring bag.
3
Clarinet Embouchure (cont.)
If you were to make vowel sounds with your mouth, you would start with Eeee and slowly
change the mouth to Oooo or Uuuu. Therefore, try this, say EeeeOooo. Notice how round
your mouth is. The top lip, corners, and bottom lip should all have equal pressure on the
mouthpiece/reed.
As you close your mouth and seal it, pull the chin down and make the skin between your
chin and lower lip stretch. (Be careful NOT to open up the pressure of the bite. This is a
common mistake and misunderstanding). Now, with your right hand (under the thumbrest)
place some pressure against the upper teeth.
BLOW – when breathing, only use the corners of your mouth to take air into your lungs.
Keep the same pressure and do not interrupt your flat chin to do this. Many students
completely open their mouth to breath and the most efficient way to breath is to use the
corners of your mouth.
4
Clarinet Embouchure
Student Reference Guide
DO:
• ♫ Keep your chin flat, pointing toward the ground.

• ♫ Keep the corners of your mouth firm and pulled in, like a drawstring bag.
• ♫ Click the mouthpiece against your top teeth and “anchor” them there.
• ♫ Pull your top lip down and keep it smooth.
• ♫ Think “ee” “oo”
• ♫ Make a milkshake face (pretend to drink a really thick milkshake through a really thin
straw).
• ♫ Use fast, cold air.
• ♫ Keep your head up and sit with good posture.
• ♫ Practice with a mirror, checking for a flat chin and muscles.
• ♫ Wet your reed in your mouth for 30 seconds before playing.
DON’T:
• ♫ Don’t look down when you play. Keep your head and air up!
• ♫ Don’t puff out your cheeks.
• ♫ Don’t bite! The bottom teeth should never bite the reed.
• ♫ Don’t take your top teeth off the mouthpiece, even when you take a breath.
• ♫ Don’t play on the same reed every day.
5
ASSEMBLING THE CLARINET
Always make sure the case is facing the correct direction before it is opened. If your
case doesn’t have a logo or label on the top, add a sticker or nametag so you always
know which way should be facing up.
Before assembling, if needed, apply cork grease to the tenons of your clarinet.
Remember, a little cork grease goes a long way! Apply a small amount to each piece of cork
and then rub it around the cork with your finger to ensure even distribution.
Keep in mind that cork grease is not necessarily needed every day. On average, you’ll want
to use cork grease every 2-3 days.
Assemble your clarinet from the bottom to the top, starting with the bell and lower
section.
Use a twisting motion to get the pieces together. If the pieces feel very tight, you can add
some more cork grease.
6
Be careful of the bridge key as you twist the lower and upper joints together. Press down
the key rings on the upper joint as you add it to the lower joint to ensure the two parts of
the bridge key don’t knock into each other during assembly.
Be very careful of the keys as you assemble your instrument. Though they’re made of metal,
they can bend easily. Try to grip from the body of your clarinet and avoid putting too much
pressure on keys as you put the pieces together. Always use a gentle twisting motion.
When you’re done, check to make sure the two parts of the bridge key are aligned properly.
7
The last step is to put the mouthpiece and barrel on the top of the upper section.
Check back of the clarinet to see if it is aligned properly.
8
Holding the Clarinet
Right Hand Position (on bottom)
Step 1. Position your right hand to the bottom of the instrument
Step 2. Center your thumb on the thumb rest between the tip of your thumb and your first
knuckle.
Step 3. Curve your fingers
Step 4. Keep your thumb straight
Step 5. Slant your fingers slightly downward
Step 6. Keep your wrist straight
Left Hand Position (on top)

Step 1: Position your left hand on top of the instrument
Step 2: Curve your fingers
Step 3: Keep your thumb straight
Step 4: Keep your wrist straight
9
Clarinet Posture and Position
Sitting Posture
Feet Flat on the floor
Back Straight
Sit on the Front Edge of your Chair
Bring your clarinet out in front of you and straight to your lips. (Remember, your arms move so
your head and neck don’t have to!)
10
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2 - More Setup and Holding

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Setting up the Clarinet Mouthpiece

• ♫ Keep your chin flat, pointing toward the ground.

Check back of the clarinet to see if it is aligned properly.

Step 3. Curve your fingers

Step 4. Keep your thumb straight

Step 5. Slant your fingers slightly downward

Step 6. Keep your wrist straight

Left Hand Position (on top)

Step 2: Curve your fingers

Step 3: Keep your thumb straight

Step 4: Keep your wrist straight

Sit on the Front Edge of your Chair

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