Klarinet Archive - Posting 000031.txt from 2010/09

From: "Karl Krelove" <karlkrelove@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] breathing problems
Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:18:11 -0400

I would tend to second Diane's suggestion that you may be breathing too
often and not emptying your lungs often enough. You need to get rid of the
oxygen-depleted air in your lungs. Too much "topping off" with catch breaths
on top of stale air can cause you to feel breathless.

If your mouthpiece/reeds were too resistant, your teacher would (or should)
be able to tell.

Karl

-----Original Message-----
From: Janice Rosen [mailto:operanut@-----.com]
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2010 8:58 AM
To: Klarinet@-----.com
Subject: [kl] breathing problems

Hello,

I used to play the clarinet as a child and teenager and played every day for
long hours of practice and performed in my high school band. I never had
any problems with breathing or getting out of breath while playing.

I stopped playing the clarinet for about 30 years (which I regret) in order
to focus on college, graduate school, and career.

Two years ago I started taking up clarinet and clarinet lessons as a
refresher to rebuild my skills and its been coming along nicely.

I am having a problem with breathing, though. I can't seem to play the
clarinet for more than 15 minutes without getting out of breath. I do not
have asthma. I never get out of breath when walking long distances or
singing. I can sing all day without getting out of breath and can hold
notes long and steady as well as professional singers can. I never got out
of breath when playing the clarinet all day as a child or teenager.

So now why am I getting out of breath so easily with the clarinet? My
teacher says this is not normal and wants to help me find a way to overcome
the breathing problem. I use a number 3 reed which my teacher says is just
right for me.

If you have any suggestions, we would be grateful for the help.

Thank you.

Janice Rosen
Washington, DC

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