After tuning our instruments before a concert, we can notice that different instruments are adjusted on diff. ways. A clarinet's mouthpiece maybe pulled up or pushed down a little if it sounds lower or higher.

Unfortunately, a beginner clarinet player may find his clar.can't be tuned because the mouthpiece can't be pushed down anymore. He can blame the quality of his instrmnt.

My question is can we consider having a small mouth and lips as one factor that makes an instrument sound lower in tune?? I think this case is more possible to happen on small kids with( especially non-Americans).

thanks to all.

I will agree with you a little that the lesser quality instruments may have some tuning issues. Don't think you are restricted to only pulling out at the mouthpiece. You can pull a little at any of the joints.

I do not think that size of lips contributes to tuning problems. Most tuning issues come from insufficient air, followed by insufficient air support, followed by a weak embouchre, followed by an incorrect embouchre.

I strongly believe if a student is not practising 'long tones' they will not be able to play in tune. That being said, most method books have long tone exercises that go as long as 12 beats at quarter note =60. That comes out to 12 seconds, which to me is NOT a long tone. 12 seconds is only the begining.