Klarinet Archive - Posting 000730.txt from 1998/04

From: Agskully <Agskully@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Thud in tonguing
Date: Wed, 15 Apr 1998 07:52:42 -0400

I have also had the same problem when I tongue, but mainly when I do staccato.
I just started lesson this year, so I never thought there was anything wrong
with it, but my teacher showed me ways to get the shortness of the note while
maintaining a good sound.

go through a part in a piece that requires tonguing, only do it slurring
everything. After that, do the the same part barely brushing the tongue
against the reed ( legato ), making sure there is constant air flow. Then
try the same passage tonguing it, keeping the air flowing constantly and only
stopping the sound by touching the reed. When you get the thud it is because
you are tonguing harder, not faster. Repeat this over and over and eventually
you'll get what its supposed to sound like. I am still working it, but its
slowing working. Good luck!
Liz