The effect of interior shape and size of clarinet mouthpieces on intonation and tone quality

Abstract

The selection of correct mouthpieces for clarinet students is of major importance to the clarinet teacher and the music educator. It is generally assumed that the mouthpiece is instrumental in the development of fine clarinet players. Many factors are involved in the choice of mouthpiece. Some of the factors contributing to correct intonation and tone quality are known and others are unknown at present. The internal dimensions are presumed to have some effect on intonation and tone quality, but precisely what this effect may be remains a mystery. Most music educators and clarinet teachers select mouthpieces for their students by considering the facing measurements only, ignoring the internal dimensions. There is some empirical evidence that the internal measurements are critical and should be considered along with the facing. Thia study is an attempt to determine what effect variations in internal dimensions have upon the development of correct intonation and tone quality.