fatigued lips...help!
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fatigued lips...help!
I recently went to the stste music festival and while i was practicing my solo with my accompayist my lips shut down on me. I couldn't get them to tighten into my embachure until I had taken a break. Ever since then I can't practice for more then a half an hour before my lips do that same thing. If anyone knows what this is or what I should do about it I would be really appreciative!
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powayflute01
- Posts: 201
- Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2003 7:29 pm
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Hmm...that's an interesting problem. First, I'd advise you to take a break for a couple of days-- maybe your lips are just worn down! Second, when you do practice, make sure that your embochure is very forward, firm and focused. Practicing in front of a mirror should help. Sometimes people with the "pulled-back" embochures have trouble getting notes out if it's too pulled-back. Perhaps you're doing this subconciously?
Good luck!
Good luck!
Haha, this one is my favorite: :shock:
[size=75]I <3 LXA[/size]
[size=75]I <3 LXA[/size]
I read from some method book when that happens means you've overpractised, and it may be a good thing, because it indicates you are strengthening the muscles used for your embouchure. Oh and the same method book suggests "buzzing" like how brass players do when taking a break to relax your muscles =)
You don't need to tighten your lips to play the flute, in fact you will improve greatly if you learn to keep your lips relaxed as you play the flute. The muscles at the corners of the lips are used to control the lips, but the center of the lip where the embouchure is can remain completely relaxed all the time. If you learn to play this way you can play all day and not get tired.
Working on this might feel a little unusual at first. Use a mirror and try to make a proper size and shape embouchure hole without using your lip muscles (note that you need to blow air in order for this to work, you aren't creating a "fixed" embouchure.) Then try blowing some notes on the flute. You'll find that the air movement is really more important for creating sound than what your lips do, and that keeping the center of your lips relaxed will result in more effortless playing and a more open sound.
Ask your private teacher this, I'm sure he or she would have many helpful things to suggest..
Working on this might feel a little unusual at first. Use a mirror and try to make a proper size and shape embouchure hole without using your lip muscles (note that you need to blow air in order for this to work, you aren't creating a "fixed" embouchure.) Then try blowing some notes on the flute. You'll find that the air movement is really more important for creating sound than what your lips do, and that keeping the center of your lips relaxed will result in more effortless playing and a more open sound.
Ask your private teacher this, I'm sure he or she would have many helpful things to suggest..