Bassoon Playing Problems: Causes and Remedies

Flashcards covering common bassoon tone and reed problems, along with their respective causes and remedies.

Causes of High Pitched Crow with Too Few Sounds

Embouchure is too tight, pinched; reed is too stiff, closed off.

Remedies for High Pitched Crow with Too Few Sounds

Decrease pressure in embouchure, more relaxed; check thickness of reed, balance in cane.

Causes of Low Pitched Crow

Lack of support; reed too long and/or wide.

Remedies for Low Pitched Crow

More support to dampen the reed; change length and/or width of reed.

Causes of Unsupported Sound on Low F

Lack of support from lower jaw; lack of air column support from diaphragm.

Remedies for Unsupported Sound on Low F

Slightly increase lower jaw support; use faster air stream; use more support from diaphragm.

Cause of Correct-Unsupported-Correct Sequence

OK - Lack of support - OK

Remedy for Correct-Unsupported-Correct Sequence

None - Needs increased support - None