Klarinet Archive - Posting 000725.txt from 1997/10

From: jensmore@-----.net (Moren, Jennifer)
Subj: Re: sore lip
Date: Thu, 16 Oct 1997 21:44:39 -0400

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>

> Subject: sore lip
> Date: October 1997
>
>
> Dave: "I am a very green clarinet player (about a month), and also green
to
> reading music in general. I am also 44."

I find that most "older" beginners approach learning an instrument in the
same manner and at the same speed as they would building a doghouse or
learning calculus. Be patient with yourself! The instrument will take
many years to become proficient on, and many more to become an extension of
mind and body. Don't think too much about detail or you'll go mad!
Also, there are a lot of great players out there, but few good teachers.
If something is not working for you, don't be afraid to question and ask
about other possibilities. Some times the most can be learned from a
child who is just getting started. They tend to not "over think" the
various situations, but just react. A good teacher should also be
comfortable teaching youngsters and using their problems and solutions to
teach other students of all ages. Also, a "picture perfect" embouchure and
high notes should not be an issue at your stage of development.

"The problem I have is a very sore lower lip. Is this normal for
beginners?"

This usually occurs the most when students start to learn the upper range.
Other possibilities are; biting, usually due to insufficient air support,
too soft of a reed which closes up on high notes(2 at your stage), too hard
of a reed which is difficult to blow without biting (possibly 3 or more for
you), poor reed condition, worn out (dead) reed, poor quality reed (RICO,
Selmar, etc.), or a poor quality mouthpiece. I recommend a Hite M41
mouthpiece or the Hite Premiere as a less expensive alternative. There are
other possibilities, but that is a start! When all else fails, try EZO
denture pads. They are inexpensive, easy to find and use, and you don't
have to wash them like more permanent guards! (just pitch them) Tape and
cigarette paper are a real pain, both in preparation and effectiveness.

"Also, I am getting some
> terific pains in my right thumb. Is it possible I am applying too much
> downward force with my head and neck?"

> There are all sorts of thumb cushions available, or try a piece of
surgical tubing. Tenseness can cause pain on the inside of the right hand
all the way up to the elbow. Be careful, because this can lead to
tendonitis. My favorite solution to help both of these is a neckstrap.
The one I recommend is the "Caricord". It is a long piece of elastic (with
Velcro adjustment) and connects to the thumbrest using a soft leather strip
with a slot cut into it. This does not "hold" the clarinet, but removes a
lot of its weight. It usually costs no more than $10 and is found in most
catalogs.

Good luck!

Jennifer