Klarinet Archive - Posting 000052.txt from 1994/02

From: Karen Noel-Bentley <karennb@-----.CA>
Subj: Re: Harness for clarinet?
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 1994 21:58:34 -0500

On Sat, 5 Feb 1994, david lawrence shea wrote:

> 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 ... Clarinet should not
> require excessive strength, just an awareness of how you are using your
> body to play the instrument.

I couldn't agree more! I played with excessive tension for years. This
led initially to pain in my right thumb, so I started using a neck strap.
It helped a bit, but the tension continued. Last year, I developed
tendinitis in my right forearm. I tried physiotherapy, which didn't help
much. I then took Alexander Technique lessons, which taught me how better
to hold my body (while playing and away from the instrument). Not only did
my tendinitis go away, but I now no longer need the neckstrap because I am
much more relaxed when I play. Another bonus was that my technique
improved, also thanks to the elimination of tension.

Karen.