Klarinet Archive - Posting 000049.txt from 1994/02

From: david lawrence shea <dshea@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Harness for clarinet?
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 1994 10:42:48 -0500

Just a thought on all this talk about harnesses and pegs. It has always
seemed to me that pegs and harnesses don't satisfy the real problem. If
one is in pain, one must look at why that pain is occuring and address the
source of the problem. You might want to talk to someone who teaches the
Alexander technique. This technique focuses on how one holds ones body
and to rid the body of negative tension. I personally know of dozens of
musicians who have worked with Alexander teachers, especially flautists.
I have even taken some lessons although I wasn't suffering pain. (The
only time I experiences pain was as an undergrad when I took on Rimsky-
Korsakov excerpts for the first time, this will kill anybody). I just
read about someone suggesting putting the bell on your knees. I do this
also if I am getting tired. You might also try gripping the instrument
less. You might not even be aware of excessive gripping, but trying
playing with completely relaxed fingers and palms. Clarinet should not
require excessive strength, just an awareness of how you are using your
body to play the instrument. I hope this made sense, I am rambling a bit
this morning

David L. Shea
Indiana University
dshea@-----.edu