Bleeding Lips

    
Bleeding Lips    01:00 on Tuesday, April 18, 2006          

Nudelkopf
(61 points)
Posted by Nudelkopf

I'm so frustrated. Lately, every time I play [the bassoon], the inner part of my lips bleed. I'm a self-taught bassoonist and now I'm starting to worry that I'm doing something wrong with my embouchure. Am I?

Anyone else get this problem? Am I playing wrong or do I just have thin skin or something?

Sorry if this seems a tad bit strange..


Re: Bleeding Lips    01:29 on Tuesday, April 18, 2006          

yuesun11
(17 points)
Posted by yuesun11

try to use the muscle of your lips only without aid of your teeth.

you can practice with your finger (replace the reed with your little finger) first.


Re: Bleeding Lips    11:38 on Tuesday, April 18, 2006          

Drew
(371 points)
Posted by Drew

There is lots of help on the internet for self-taught new bassoonists like yourself. Lucky we're living in this age instead of years ago when you had to get advice from a teacher and if there was no one, you just didn't learn. Anyway, try this helpful website for embouchure tips:

http://www.tsmp.org/band/nelson/nelsontwo.html

There is lots more information on the web. Note in her last two sentences she says don't use too hard a reed. This might be your problem in a nutshell.

Good luck.
P.S. I notice if I don't play every day my lips really suffer, so you have to keep at it to get them toughened up.


Re: Bleeding Lips    02:10 on Thursday, April 20, 2006          

Nudelkopf
(61 points)
Posted by Nudelkopf

I do use a medium soft reed.


Re: Bleeding Lips    23:03 on Friday, April 21, 2006          

Drew
(371 points)
Posted by Drew

Do you wear braces on your teeth?


Re: Bleeding Lips    23:03 on Friday, April 21, 2006          

Drew
(371 points)
Posted by Drew

Do you wear braces on your teeth?


Re: Bleeding Lips    01:07 on Saturday, April 22, 2006          

Nudelkopf
(61 points)
Posted by Nudelkopf

No. Although apparently I need to. My bite is really bad, but it's not noticeable.

ANZAC day on Tuesday.. gotta play Abide With Me.. not looking forward to it..


Re: Bleeding Lips    11:31 on Saturday, April 22, 2006          

Drew
(371 points)
Posted by Drew

No, I was just thinking, sometimes new braces can cause trouble because of all that metal. I have a bad bite, too, but haven't had your particular problem.

Good luck on Tuesday, by the way.


Re: Bleeding Lips    17:37 on Saturday, April 22, 2006          

Nudelkopf
(61 points)
Posted by Nudelkopf

Thanks.

I think I'm just gonna try not having my lips under my teeth so far. It might work.


Re: Bleeding Lips    16:02 on Thursday, April 27, 2006          

estebanf
(16 points)
Posted by estebanf

you must avoid biting your lips. It's all about breath support. I have metal braces, and have no problems... well, it's uncomfortable..... but what can i do? :-) try to get a good bassoonist who teach you the embrochure thing, and a good breathing techique.


   




This forum: Older: any suggestion on buying a new bassoon?
 Newer: My bassoon is bleeding