The Activity of Certain Facial Muscles in the B-Flat Soprano Clarinet Embouchure: An Exploratory Study Utilizing Electromyography

The problem with which this investigation is concerned is that of facial muscle activity in forming and maintaining the soprano clarinet embouchure. The purposes of the study are to collect and analyze data in the following areas: 1. Activity of the following muscles during performance on the clarinet: (1) upper orbicularis oris, (2) lower orbicularis oris, (3) upper half of the buccinator, and (4) lower half of the buccinator. Muscular activity is read as electronic potential and is presented on recordings through the use of electromyography. 2. Possible effects which the electromyographic apparatus might impose upon performance. Tape recordings weremade of the subjects' performing prescribed tasks both before and during electromyographic analysis. The possible effects of the electromyographic analysis upon performance were then tested by comparing these two recordings.