 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-11-20 23:22
I have worked out that all the problems in my playing can be traced back to about 2 or 3 flaws in my technique.
Most of these I know how to fix, but there is one that is not going away as fast as I would like it too.
My jaw muscles become tense when I play. Sometimes even when I am just thinking about playing the clarinet, I can feel them tensing up. It happens a lot more when I am playing a difficult passage. Sometimes it gets so bad that my whole face hurts, particularly around my lower jaw and temple areas.
This affects my tone quality by making me pinch the reed (this is getting better with time) and doesn't allow my tongue the freedom of movement I would like it to have.
How do I fix this?
Thank you
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Author: CrazyCanuck
Date: 2003-11-21 03:32
I had this problem a number of years ago. You can't break a habit, but only replace it with something else (which will go away quickly.) Try taking a deep breath when you notice yourself tensing up. Although this might not be practical during rehersals, do this when you are alone, and especially during those tense moments thinking about playing. This might help you break yourself of that habit.
As well, try practising everything slowly. One of our professors told us about some new research that suggests that practising many times slowly is more beneficial than starting slowly and going faster and faster. This will also help you relax.
A third thing that really helps me as I tend to put too little mouthpiece in my mouth, making it necessary to pinch. Put one of those mouthpiece pads on in the normal fashion, then cut another one in half and put it where your teeth should meet the mp. I had my teacher help me with this and it has improved my playing quite a bit.
Best of luck, and reeeelllaaaaxxxx
Nick
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Author: Rachel
Date: 2003-11-22 05:00
Thanks, that sounds helpful. I will have to try that thing with mouthpiece pads.
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Author: Clarino20
Date: 2003-11-22 22:20
A few ways to relieve the tension of you jaw.
massage the joint where the hinge of your jaw bone is. There is a pressure point that will release the tension, press on the point for a few seconds don't push to hard, then gently massage it before you play. Another technique I use to losen up my jaw bone and embrochure is to buzz my lips. Brass players do it all of the time to relax after a playing for a long period of time. Think of biting with the top teeth if you bite at all and not the bottom. I suggest getting a book on massage, pressure points or yoga face relaxation techniques to release the tension in your jaw. pursing the lips from the side instead of biting down could also be a good way to fix the tension in your jaw. if it is an embrochure problem a long tone exercise would help build your embrochure up the fastest.
Good Luck!
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