 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: MGT91123
Date: 2014-09-27 06:48
Hi,
So all my college professors, {clarinet, piano, and voice,} recommend that I learn this technique, since all the pain seems to be coming from me tensing up, and tendinitis doesn't help either. Has anyone on the BBoard had lessons? If so, did you find it useful? What ways did it help you learn to be a better player? What are the lessons like? How quickly did you see progress?
I have found a possible teacher but have not yet had a response sent back to the email.
Thank You all,
MG
Buffet E-11
Buffet Moening Barrel, 65 mm, Backun Protege 65mm
Vadoren BD5 Mouthpiece
Vandoren M/O series gold Lig.
Gonzala's FOF Reeds 2.5
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Author: derf5585
Date: 2014-09-27 08:29
Welcome to The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique -
from
http://www.alexandertechnique.com
fsbsde@yahoo.com
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2014-09-27 20:43
Aelxander Technique's conceptual framework helps remove the reasons for tension, which can cause pain.
I am admittedly a poor student of AT, but still have found it extremely valuable.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2014-09-30 00:13
I took some AT, and while it seemed fascinating, I got very little out of it. It seems you need a LOT of study for any of it to start to click.
I highly recommend AT's arch-nemesis, Feldenkrais, which aims for the same goals through totally different, and, in my opinion, orders of magnitude easier and more effective means. Where Alexander aims to have you finding calm through hyper-awareness, Feldenkrais aims to re-teach your body and nervous system to work effectively and efficiently on its own, freeing you up to do more important things.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2014-10-01 23:14
Alexander technique or even Feldenkrais is a good idea. After years of working with loony conductors players really have to take care of themselves physically and mentally. Always stretch before playing..exercise and eat properly and of course good sleep really can add a dimension to the way one feels about their playing. Given overall...the way classical music is going there will be fewer orchestras in the next century
David Dow
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Author: Benjamin
Date: 2014-10-02 02:24
I'm currently in the middle of a three-year teacher training program for the Alexander Technique in Los Angeles and it has been one of the most positive influences on my life and approach to performing and teaching music!
If you have ever experienced back or neck pain after a long rehearsal, tendinitis, coordination issues, problems with your breathing/fingers/tongue or performance anxiety, the Alexander Technique can help you. Yes, it does take some time for many people to get a good understanding from lessons (like studying the clarinet or anything else!), but some people pick it up quickly. A big part of it has to do with how open you are to change. Many professionals play wonderfully in spite of some physical and mental habits that get in their way, but that doesn't mean they couldn't play even better or enjoy what they're doing even more with less unnecessary physical/mental/emotional tension. There's a certain amount of tension required for any activity but it's easy to overdo when you're mostly focused on the end result of the activity and not as invested in the process for how you got there. It can also be scary to consider change when you feel like you're already playing well, even if it leads to discomfort or pain.
Just like working with a clarinet teacher, you're usually going to get much more out of Alexander lessons one-on-one and when you find someone you have a really good connection with. The first time I was exposed to the Alexander Technique was in a group setting at a music festival and I got very little out of it. I thought it was interesting but I didn't experience it in a way that helped me meaningfully apply it to my music or anything else. Then I tried it again with a different teacher many years later and it really clicked with me! I think it had something to do with the teachers but also where I was at those points in my life. But, I bring it up to say that if you tried it and didn't get much out of it, you might give it another try sometime with someone else. Or maybe Feldenkrais, yoga, tai chi, meditation, or something else will resonate more with you. Explore anything you’re curious about and see where it takes you! But, not all teachers are created equal in any field, and some people will naturally resonate more with one person or idea than another.
I hope that helps a little bit. I rarely check this bulletin board but please get in touch if you want help finding a teacher in your area or have any questions!
-Benjamin
www.benjaminmitchellclarinet.com
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