Klarinet Archive - Posting 000317.txt from 1996/12

From: Steve Prescott <mipresc@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: throat problems
Date: Wed, 11 Dec 1996 09:48:25 -0500

Yossi Itzkovich wrote:

>Hi Steve,
>
>First, you were right about the oboe ! but since I'm not going to play it,
>but as a completion to my flute I want to play piccolo too - and there I
>have the same problem.

The piccolo also requires more back pressure than the flute, so I can see
you would have a problem there too.

>About the muscles: I played clarinet for 9 years without this problem- and
>then it began - so I don't no if it the weakness of the muscles.
>Anyway, do you know of exercises to make them stronger ?
>

The only thing I can suggest, other than seeing a doctor who knows
something about playing wind instruments, is to approach your practice
gradually. I think it was Fred who mentioned long tone practice. The soft
palette is involuntary in its operation (as far as I know) so if you're
loosing air through it, it could be a physiological problem that has
developed. If a muscle is strained, then your endurance will be slow in
coming back so don't push it.

By the way, what mpc. and strength reed are you using on clarinet? Has this
changed recently?

Steve

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