Spitty Mouth

[Mandera3]

I know this might be a little gross but I am looking for suggestions on how to deal with spit build up when you are playing the flute. It seems lately that my biggest problem occurs after I have been slurring for a while and then have to go into like double tounging or even single and it doesn't come out very good becuas eof the spit build up. At first I thought it was because of problems with my technique but I'm pretty sure it has to do with spit in my mouth.

[flapperflute]

Hello,
I would suggest experimenting with your tongue placement while you slur. Sometimes when I yawn, I have a flow of saliva, and I think part of the reason is because the tip of my tongue is raised to the top part of my mouth. Try playing with the tongue lower (or higher) in the mouth and see if you notice any differences. Good luck!

[TheLastVen]

This is actually what led me to my seeking out this message board. I'm having a terrible time with excess spit while multiple tonguing (particularly triple tonguing) on piccolo. Is this common? I feel like a crazed, rabid piccolo player (more so than usual). Anyone have a solution?

Also, is there a particular piccolo section around here or is this a good place to post?

Thanks!

[pied_piper]

This is actually what led me to my seeking out this message board. I'm having a terrible time with excess spit while multiple tonguing (particularly triple tonguing) on piccolo. Is this common? I feel like a crazed, rabid piccolo player (more so than usual). Anyone have a solution?

Also, is there a particular piccolo section around here or is this a good place to post?

Thanks!

I think most piccolo players become rabid at one point or another.

One thing that can lead to excessive saliva is a poor head position. If the head and mouth are tilted forward, it will cause saliva to collect behind the front teeth. If the head is kept more level (not tilted forward), it makes it easier for the player to swallow the saliva. Try raising your music stand a little bit higher so that you don't have to look in a downward direction to read the music.

[Gandalfe]

Swallow before you start and when you can as you play. Over time it will become part of your method.

[blowtorch711]

"Spit" (saliva) or condensation?