Klarinet Archive - Posting 000534.txt from 2003/08

From: HowardS321@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Articulation Problems
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2003 14:13:43 -0400

Hello fellow list members,

I was going to address my subject as 'Tonguing
Problems' but decided that articulation was a better
choice. My articulation is simply awful. I hit the
reed with my tongue like a hammer hitting an anvil.
My percussive articulation slows me down on fast
passages and dampens my tone, which is generally good.
I realize that articulation is more than just my
tongue stopping the airflow momentarily. I really
don't know what part of my tongue brushes the reed,
but I can assure you that it is not the tip. My
clarinet teacher is working with me on using a 'light'
tongue. But, what I'm really aiming for is a 'light'
and quick' tongue. I know it won't happen overnight,
but my articulation difficulties are the main reason
why I'm not advancing in my playing.

Any helpful hints, exercises or stories that would
help me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Howard Shapiro

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