Klarinet Archive - Posting 000047.txt from 2003/02

From: Elgenubi@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Some Beginner Questions
Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2003 17:41:57 -0500

Rigel,
I believe Kaitlin has given you lot's of good advice. Let me add a thought.
Think about relaxing more and enjoying your playing in an easier way. I hope
you have a teacher that is showing you the basics. In the long run, the
physical stuff you are learning (correct non puffy embouchure, finger
coordination, supported breathing) should allow you to play well without
being tense. At first the clarinet encourages us to get tense; it requires
more strength to blow or even hold than a beginner expects. Playing well
uses that strength, but you don't want the strength and tension to be all
there is. Your experiences about hurting your mouth or locking up your thumb
or practicing into oblivion sound like you're doing it all too hard. Good
luck and continue to enjoy it. The clarinet really is a gorgeous instrument.

Wayne Thompson

PS If I haven't said this before, you have a great name. Do you know your
stars? Do you appreciate having a star name?

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