Klarinet Archive - Posting 000472.txt from 1995/09

From: Steve Prescott <MIPRESC@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Undertones & Air Speed
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 1995 16:46:50 -0400

Johnathan,

I think that "fast air" is more of a concept that helps some understand how
to use the air. A rather poor analogy is in describing what to do with the
inside of your mouth when you play. Think "ee" for example. Or I've heard
some teachers tell the student to play like they have a golf ball in their
mouth. As far as the air, I don't allow the student to dwell on it in the
technical sense - "Paralysis by Analysis" (Jacobs). I tell them to breath
deep and force their stomach out. This sometimes works. There are many
other ways to try to make a student understand air.

I agree every word of your acousitcal information. I think, though, that it
might tend to confuse a younger student.

Steve.
Steve Prescott
Instrument Rep.Tech./Clarinetist
Indiana State University
mipresc@-----.edu