The inner embouchure: vocal tract configurations in clarinet pedagogy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7203/LEEME.37.9876Keywords:
Clarinet, Vocal Tract, Vowels, Pedagogy, Intonation, Register.
Abstract
We study the influence of the vocal tract in clarinet playing technique. Scientific literature shows that the vocal tract can control pitch and timbre, while also facilitating technical exercises. By interviewing twelve professional clarinetists from different schools and countries, we conclude that clarinetists adapt the vocal tract intuitively, but that it is necessary to learn to be conscious of the own vocal tract and of the blocking issues that may arise in the different registers of the clarinet. We propose controlling vocal tract configurations by using vowels for each register: /a/ for chalumeau, /?/ for throat register, /i/ for clarion, /?/ for altissimo, /o/ as a base vowel. For larger intervals, we propose a /?/-/i/ vowel change for ascending intervals, and /i/-/?/ for descending ones, regardless of the register. The actual practical application in the conservatory clarinet classroom of this method based on the conscious and systematic adjustment of the vocal tract has proved most efficient in unblocking technical issues and increasing the performance capabilities, especially for mid-level or advanced clarinetists with unresolved technical issues.
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