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the embouchure

We already explained what an embouchure was, but now you're asking, how do I do it? Pay close attention, because this is a very important step! You may want to repeat this page until you become uncomfortable.

bad example High | Low        good example High | Low
Watch the video. Just the good one... the bad one is very bad and embarrassing. Please don't watch that one.

So as you can see, a good way to form the oboe embouchure is to say "No oboe" with a British accent. Our accents are very American, but we can't help it. Just like they can't help their accents. Anyway, by doing this, the corners of your mouth will be FIRM and will move FORWARD, against the teeth! The jaw should be SEPARATED, the skin of your chin FIRM, and your tongue should be DOWN in your mouth. Your lower lip should end up becoming a firm, springy cushion for your reed!

Okay okay, you're frustrated. It's just too much to remember! Luckily our research team has uncovered an ancient limerick on the topic of oboe embouchure! We believe that, because it doesn't rhyme, the author was a genius.
No, Oboe
by Sir O. Hautbois
There once was a young oboe player,
Had lip corners so firm and forward,
Their chin skin was firm, their tongue was pulled down,
And their lips formed a firm springy cushion!
Something about that brings a tear to my eye. I hope you saw good embouchure formation from the good video, and if you watched the bad one, I hope you have nightmares tonight. If you're still having trouble understanding how your lips, tongue and mouth end up after "No oboe", try this:

no oboe 2
  • Pretend like you're going to whistle.
  • Drop your jaw and move your teeth far apart (ahhhhhh).
  • While you drop your jaw, fold your lips over your teeth.
Wow, your embouchure looks great! You sound great too!
EDITOR'S NOTE: We'd like to let you know that he can not see nor hear you. What he hears or sees is in his head.
Is it already that time... no, wait! I'm not ready for... THE CROW!

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