 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: audriaunna
Date: 2004-01-27 01:56
I played Clarinet for approximately 8 years and absolutely loved it, it was my life. Somewhere along the way though I got lost. Anyhow I have purchased a new clarinet, a Leblanc, Rapsodie. I am currently playing with a number 2 reed but have run into a huge problem. For some reason I am blowing through the back of my throat, I think. I make this obnoxious "gargling" noise while I play and it really hurts my throat. I never had this problem while I was playing before and I have no clue what I am doing. But I can't stand to play for longer than 15 minutes because my throat just aches. Does anyone have any suggestions to get me to quit this? Thank you in advance for all of your ideas and help!
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2004-01-27 17:50
There's something similar to this mentioned in Keith Stein's book, "The Art of Clarinet Playing". (I was just on another trip so had a long flight that allowed me to read the books I didn't get to in the summer.) See if you can look this up in a library. On page 48, Chapter 14, he mentions air leakage through the nostrils, and he lays it to over-tensed lip muscles (tense embouchure) - overblowing (excess air) caused by weak diaphragmatic breath support - and a tense back soft palate area. All of this is caused by trying too hard, very common with students. He encourages proper relaxation - in other words using only the effort that's necessary to properly hold the instrument and providing support without unduly tightening up the whole body and causing yourself distress. His remedial techniques are further discussed. I have a similar problem because of closing off my throat, another bad habit that was picked up somewhere over the years and needs to be broken.
Does any of this sound familiar? I hesitated to mention anything since this was an untouched thread ("fools rush in" and all that) but your question struck a bell. Anyone else up to rushing in on this?
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2004-01-27 18:44
Audriaunna- Brenda has given you fine advice and I heartily second the reference to Keith Stein's excellent teaching. I played in Mich State's band for several years, however not in the Music School. He conducted us a few times and soloed, so we all profited from his teaching and example. His book[let] contains "full scope" teaching, mine from Amazon cost about $14 + $4 shipping, a bargain IMHO. He does ?generally? recommend a double lip embouchure [I think], and as I read him, suggests it as a method for relaxation. I still use single lip on the Bb soprano [with an mp cushion, either a rubber or a thinner plastic], but use D-L on my bass cl as its more like a large-sax mp with less lip pressure. Welcome back to our cl's. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: audriaunna
Date: 2004-01-27 19:25
That is ringing an entirely all too familiar bell. When you mentioned closing your throat off, I have to wonder if this is what I am doing and I am actually blowing out my nose. After playing I notice my nose is runny like I have been breathing out my nose instead of through my mouth. I am sure that I am probably just trying too hard. I haven't played in so long and I thought for certain I probably wouldn't even be able to play. I am actually surprised how much I have remembered and I am hoping that with time and practice this might just go away. But I definately appreciate your help and will look into that book and see if it can't help me further! Thanks for your time!
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