Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Saxophone)
If your instrument won't work or you can't get any sound out of your instrument, here are some things you can try…
Are you squeaking? Or, are some notes coming out clear, but not the others? Here are some things to try…
If your instrument won't work or you can't get any sound out of your instrument, here are some things you can try…
- Is your instrument put together properly? Sometimes things aren’t quite lined up (especially on the clarinet) and a simple adjustment makes the instrument work!
- For those who have reeds (clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone), check your reed. If the reed is broken, you need a new one. If the reed seems to be in good condition, re-wet it and/or adjust the position of the reed slightly (move it up, down or slightly to the side).
- Look over the instrument to make sure no screws are sticking way out. If so, use an eyeglass screwdriver or very small screwdriver and screw it back into place. Also, sometimes wires pop out of place. Look over the instrument to make sure none are sticking out.
- Tried everything? Bring it into school and I will look at it.
Are you squeaking? Or, are some notes coming out clear, but not the others? Here are some things to try…
- Check the reed (clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone). If it is cracked/broken or not on correctly, it may squeak.
- Check your embouchure (lip formation). No cheeks should be puffed out while playing! Clarinet and saxophone players, make sure your bottom lip covers your bottom teeth. Flute players, make sure the hole is centered on your lips (look in a mirror).
- Particularly on the flute, if your sound is not coming out clear and you have checked your embouchure, often a key is bent that prevents the sound from occurring correctly. Bring your flute to me to be checked.
- Make sure your fingers are covering up they holes exactly and/or that you have the correct buttons pressed down for the note you are trying to play. Sometimes, air leaks out and causes squeaks or no sound at all. Or, you may be bumping a side key with your hand. Look in a mirror and finger your notes to see which fingers are slipping or which hands are bumping the side keys.