TEACHING EVERYONE: COMMON INSTRUMENTAL PROBLEMS�

David W. Snyder, Illinois State University�

THE MOST COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL WIND INSTRUMENTS IS IMPROPER USE OF THE AIR STREAM. WHEN IN DOUBT: TAKE IN MORE AIR AND PUSH OUT FASTER AIR!��PROPER POSTURE, HAND POSITION, AND EMBOUCHURE MUST BE REINFORCED DAILY ESPECIALLY DURING THE FIRST YEAR��

�Before we start looking at each band instrument….

�FLUTE�

• Too much/little bottom lip covering the tone hole,
• Lip aperture too big or or smiling
• Drooping flute angle,
• RH thumb too far under,
• “Flying” fingers

�OBOE AND BASSOON�

• Too much/little reed in mouth,
• Biting down on the reed,�
• Horn angle too low(oboe),
• Instrument height (Bassoon-seat strap),

�CLARINET�

• Bottom lip too soft (or rolled out),

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• Too much/little mouthpiece in mouth,

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• Horn/head angle too low,
• RH thumb too far in,
• Squeeks (use “cool” air)

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�SAXOPHONE�

• Bottom lip too soft (or rolled out)

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• Too much/little mouthpiece in mouth,
• Horn/head angle too low,
• RH thumb too far in,
• Loud/Honky sound

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�TRUMPET�

• Embouchure/teeth too closed or,

bunched up chin

• Horn angle not aligned with teeth,

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• Mouthpiece too low/high on lips
• RH thumb position incorrect/flat fingers,
• LH ring finger not used

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�HORN�

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• Head/leadpipe angle,

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• Embouchure/teeth too tight/closed,

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�HORN�

• RH not in bell,

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• Using incorrect fingerings on trigger side

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�TROMBONE�

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• Embouchure/teeth too tight/closed,
• Poor timing with slide and tongue,
• Not slurring,
• Poor RH(slide) position (touching bell)

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�EUPHONIUM�

• Embouchure/teeth too tight/closed,
• RH position not in “C” position,
• Instrument is too low/high  

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�TUBA�

• Instrument angle is wrong,
• Instrument too big for player

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• Puffed cheeks,
• Aperture too open��

�PERCUSSION�

• Instrument too low/high,

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• Palms not down,

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• Grip too tight /loose

�QUESTIONS?

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You can contact me at: dsnyder@ilstu.edu

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