Klarinet Archive - Posting 000131.txt from 1995/04

From: John Roman <JohnARoman@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: Holding on tight
Date: Mon, 10 Apr 1995 08:22:28 -0400

On April 9 Ben Maas wrote:

<<I don't have many problems with tendonitis, but once upon a
time I did. Right now, my problems have to deal with things like tension in
my playing (particularly in my left hand). I have to be careful, because my
wrists are weak as I have broken both of them in various accidents. My
question is: does anybody have any ideas on how I can stop grasping the
instrument so much. When I play, I hold on so tight that the holes leave
marks on my fingers. I don't have anywhere near as large of a problem with
my right hand.>>

Hi Ben...
A firm hold on the intrument is important but anything approaching a tight
grip can really cramp your playing style. If this is a new situation and you
have not had a problem in the past with an overtight grip on the instrument,
maybe the clarinet is out of adjustment and leaking. Without realizing it we
sometimes compensate for an air leak by clamping down on the offending key
and if it seems to correct the problem, it can quickly become a habit. Just a
thought, Ben. You might want to check it out.

John Roman