Embouchure (again)

[Basil]

I know that you will all be bored with this question time and time again, but I am confused about embouchure when changing registers. Larry Teal says that you shouldn't change embouchure, and a good test is to blow an A and then up it an octave using only the octave key, and back down again etc. When I do this, on the release the note hangs as a high A for a little while, and then drops. Is this right ?
My teacher says that you have to release your embouchre between octaves, but that seems to contradict other stuff that I have read, or does he mean pressure but not embouchre ?
Help....I am confused

 

[Chris98]

Hello Basil,

I'll be honest and say that as I am only at the beginning of all this my advise is possibly, probably, way off, but I think I change my throat shape and air flow more than I tighten and loosen my embouchure when using the octave key.

I have found Walter Beasley's 'Sound Production for Saxophone' video useful and good to go back to when I think I am drifting again.

If you are interested you can download it from his site www.walterbeasley.com or buy it from Simon

All the best,

Chris

 

[justin_chune]

If the sound drops after a moment or so you are doing fine. Pre-hear the sound you want and "think down" In a performing situation, if you are insecure, you can always cheat by giving the lower note a light tongue. Playing across wide intervals is considered to be difficult on any instrument other than the clarinet. An octave is a wide interval on a sax.

 

[Pete Thomas]

It's good to aim for the Teal concept. It's a good one, but very difficult to achieve. I don't think I do it, but possibly as my style doen't fit the Teal orthodox, ie I use a lot of note bending, growl etc. Even with the Teal method I think those who have mastered it will still alter the embouchure minutely here and there for tuning and ease of certain intervals.

 

[Rogerb]

I agree, and also feel that you need to change the 'sound in your head' as you release the octave key... if you understand what I'm getting at?

 

[spike]

my take on the subject -
With teeth closed to prevent jaw movement, sing the two notes with fingers placed on throat. Notice the movement that occurs in the mouth and throat area when the pitch drops. Try to do the same when releasing the octave key on the sax - without the singing of course.
I wouldn't worry about the note "hanging" on the way down, your setup and the horn will have an influence.
gruss - spike

 

[Basil]

Thanks everybody. I think that I am pretty much on the right lines then. You know how it is when self doubt starts to creep in. I suppose as long as it works then any way will do, but I really want to nail these things early on so that I don't have to spend years putting right bad habits formed now.....and boy, there a few of them I can tell you. My octave key thumb will NOT stay on that thumb rest !!! But that's another story. :erm: