Keeping top lip moist

[Bari Gordon]

Periodically while I am playing flute I quickly lick my top lip to moisturize it. Otherwise my tone deteriorates and notes are harder to hit. Is this a common experience? Anybody use anything to keep top lip moist? I have tried lip balm and other things but nothing works better than licking.

On another note, if I play flute for 30 minutes or so, my right eye tears up. Believe me, it's not from emotion. Anyone else have that happen?

[Gordon (NZ)]

Probably moist flute players do a little licking from time to time, but I think they mostly also get used to at least part of the lip being dry while playing.

I've never used moisturiser, but different people's lips may well be different.

There is a tiny duct in the lower eyelid at the nose end. This drains tears somewhere into the back of the nose. My guess is that the process of blocking the airway to your nose while playing the flute, is somehow blocking that duct. I guess that if you wanted a definitive answer you would have to see an ear/nose/throat medical specialist.

Many old people have a problem with this drain not working adequately, quite irrespective of flute playing. Perhaps the tube collapses a little with age, as does everything else!

[Bari Gordon]

Gordon(NZ)

Thanks for the reply.

Your theory on the duct being blocked has real promise. It gives a good answer why just the right eye and only on flute.

Now that I have cadillac health coverage, I will have to see an e, n, & t doc and see what they think.