I have been playing the english horn for about two months now, and I have been having some trouble. All of the notes are flat, except for the high register notes, (b above the staff and up), they are really sharp (an entire half step)! Also when I try to lower the pitch by loosening my embouchure, It just makes a weird squeaking noise instead of playing the note. I have just been using the #2 fox XL bocal that came with the instrument (I have a fox 520). Could it be the bocal that is making it so out of tune? Should I try a #1 bocal? Is there a better brand of bocal that I should try? Could it possibly be that the instrument or reeds I use are not good? Any help would be great!

Abigail

Are you using hand made reads? Have you ask your teacher about this problem? Has your EH been checked over by a tech? Could be a number of problems.

I do use hand made reeds but I haven't had it checked out. My teacher tried it with her own reed and a tuner and it was flat, but not as flat as when I try to play it. Could it be that maybe I'm not using enough air? Otherwise I'm going to send it in to get checked out.

Air support could be an issue. Are you doing "regular breathing" or "natural breathing"? "Natural breathing" is like baby breathing. You first exhale, making your abs tight and hard. Then in hale and your stomach (Diaphragm) should go outwards thus creating more space for air. You air should rush into your mouth if you exhale properly. "Regular breathing" is used by most everybody. It's when you inhale, your stomach goes in and your shoulders rise.

A good exercise for "natural breathing":
1. Start by exhaling for as long as you can. (it may help to do this with a metronome!)
2. Hold your breathing after exhaling for as long as you can.
3. Once you can't hold your breathe in anymore open your mouth.
4. Your stomach (Diaphragm) should go out and air should rush into your month!

I hope that helped. It may help to think that your taking in a low breath, like from the bottom of your Diaphragm. Helps me and I hope it helps you!

Yes I have been using this type of breathing, but i'll try putting a little more air through when I play and see if that helps.

I sent it in to a music store last week and the professional oboist who works there tested it, and it was too flat for her also. She ordered a #1 Bocal to try with it and if that doesn't work, she is going to contact fox and see if they can fix it somehow.

Hopefully your lovely fox english horn with be better. I hate to see when people buy new instruments and the instrument is all out of whack. It just takes time for oboes and english horn's to settle down and learn their environment. =]