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Am I trying too hard in practice?

Author: Bigno16
Date: 2004-12-26 19:19

Lately--actually, for a while now--I have been easily been getting tired and aggrivated while trying to practice. Not only are my embouchure muscles tired easily now as I try my hardest to make them as firm and steady as I can, but I also seem to have trouble breathing properly while practicing. I tend to run out of breath fairly easily and actually get dizzy/light-headed and get a headache sometimes.

I know these may signs of incorrect techniques but what exactly? Breath support? I can't seem to get the feel for that correctly.

Perhaps I'm trying to make my embouchure muscles "too firm"? Or blowing "too hard"? I don't know...

Well, if anyone knows how I can fix this it would mean a lot. I haven't been able to practice much because of this and it's really throwing me off and getting me angry and tired. Thanks..

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Re: Am I trying too hard in practice?

Author: EEBaum
Date: 2004-12-26 19:49

You are too tense. Loosen up.

Try this: As you play, sway widely from side to side, balancing on one foot at a time, as if you are on a ship on very rough seas. Do this quickly and continuously. Hopefully, this will help you loosen up a bit and ease your tendency to "force" the notes.

Also, and this takes a LONG time to get the hang of: Never play the note you are playing. That is, whenever you play a note, immediately think of the next note or even series of notes that you will be playing shortly. Consider how you will get there, both technically and musically.

-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com

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Re: Am I trying too hard in practice?

Author: John Stackpole
Date: 2004-12-26 20:10

In orchestras I have seen all the clarinet players (and everybody else except the conductor, the guy/gals with the overgrown violins, and - some of the time - the percussionist) are sitting down when playing.

Does it make sense to practice standing up when performance is (usually - marching bands to the contrary) done sitting down?

JDS

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Re: Am I trying too hard in practice?

Author: ron b
Date: 2004-12-26 20:45

It make a great deal of sense to practice standing up, if you are able to do so. Standing makes it easier to breathe properly and more easily, giving good support and soundness to your tone production. This in turn will allow you to relax and enjoy, rather than struggle, your practice time. Most people are, believe it or not, more relaxed playing an instrument or singing while standing. Ask any vocalist. An orchestral or concert band setting requires sitting so we can see the conductor better - otherwise, as in choral music, we might all prefer standing. If you practice your instrument in a standing position, I guarantee you will perform much better when you're required to sit while playing.

- r [cool]

n b -

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