Klarinet Archive - Posting 000107.txt from 2002/10

From: w9wright@-----.net (William Wright)
Subj: Re: [kl] Lower Jaw Pain
Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2002 23:07:23 -0400

<><> Robert=A0Reyes wrote:
Over the past week I've noticed that my lower jaw would be throbbing

Robert, unlike boxing or football, playing clarinet normally does not
involve pain.

On the happy side, 'bad habits' which cause pain --- such as biting,
improper posture, not relaxing your body, holding the instrument
incorrectly, etc --- can often be unlearned.

Sometimes a change of mouthpiece or reed can help because the wrong
set-up (wrong for you, that is) may encourage you to develop 'bad
habits' in order to get the sound that you want.

A competent private teacher may be able to help you with these things.
(You didn't say whether you're a band or orchestra student who perhaps
is being 'swept along' in a large group without receiving sufficient
coaching and observation.)

A few people *do* have physical problems that interfere with playing.
Talking to a doctor (TMJ, orthopedics, etc) may help you decide whether
this applies in your case.

Again, pain is not a normal part of playing clarinet. The motto "No
pain, no gain" does not apply here.

Cheers and good luck,
Bill

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