ABSTRACT
In learning to play a wind instrument, the first major challenge is embouchure. he accomplished performer maintains the basic embouchure as much as possible, but makes small adjustments to it to compensate for variations in reed strength, mouthpiece dimensions, and issues of range, articulation, intonation, and dynamics. Teacher demonstration is a key element in the development of embouchure, air stream, and tonal concept. Screws on woodwind instruments function in two different ways: To hold rods in place at posts; as adjustment screws on keys. The bassoon produces a clear, crisp staccato. A student bassoonist can produce a good staccato far earlier in his development than a student clarinetist. Multiple tonguing is possible on all woodwind instruments. Theobald Boehm was a flutist who patented a new fingering system for flute in 1847, the basis of which is intact today. The Boehm system today is relevant also to fingerings on clarinet and oboe.
