In the early 1950s, Maurice Porter published articles in the British Dental Journal about the dental problems encountered by wind and brass musicians, a subject which had been largely ignored by the profession up to that time. These attracted much interest from dentists and from musicians themselves. These early articles were followed by numerous other articles in a wide range of dental and music publications in the UK and abroad and ultimately, he wrote his highly acclaimed book on the subject The Embouchure which was published by Boosey and Hawkes in 1967 and which is still widely quoted today.
"Most readers, I think we'll find the book intelligible and, I hope, enlightening generally and helpful individually; and if I succeed in stimulating further thought, or even research, so much the better for wind musicians everywhere."
Maurice Porter – The Embouchure, 1967, Boosey and Hawkes.
"This book should be made compulsory for all wind players and teachers. It will serve to clarify much of all the existing knowledge on the subject of the embouchure, breath control, staccato and legato playing and – which is of the utmost importance as it is a generally neglected subject- oral hygiene in relation to wind instrument playing."
Professor John Davies RAM Magazine 1967.
"The subject of the Embouchure is by no means simple. It is in fact very complex. The more I studied it over the years, the more it disclosed fields for further research."
Maurice Porter, The embouchure, Boosey and Hawkes, 1967.
More reviews of his book, The Embouchure, can be downloaded here
In addition to his writing, Maurice gave many lectures to dentists and musicians and acted as Honorary Dentist to music teaching schools and other institutions to give much needed advice to musicians. Also, through his wide reputation as an expert on all matters concerning the embouchure, he would receive and reply to correspondence from all over the world from dentists, professional musicians and those who teach wind and brass instruments playing.
Maurice’s practice grew, as time went on, with him treating more and more musicians with dental problems. His patients ranged from keen amateurs and music students to well-known classical and jazz musicians. Because he was a talented clarinet player himself, it was not uncommon for him to play his instrument with players, such as Jack Brymer and Benny Goodman after giving them dental treatment.
In recognition of the important services Maurice provided to musicians and the dental profession, he received numerous awards and was elected to various honorary positions, including: Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, Honorary Consultant Dental Surgeon to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, Honorary Member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, Fellow of The International College of Dentists and Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International.
For all his achievements, Maurice was talented, kind, gentle and generous man, who was much liked and respected by his patients, his professional colleagues, musicians and all who knew him.
Press play on the sound file below to hear extracts from an interview with Pauline Pierce – professional flautist who was treated by Porter in 1971.
Press play on the sound file below to hear Robin Porter's speech that opened the exhibition and provides reminiscences of his father, Maurice.