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my carriage

Author: Suzanne
Date: 1999-03-22 18:22

Hi. I'm Suzanne, from Holland, 14 years old and I'm playing the clarinet for 5 years now. I'm planning to go to the conservatorie of music. I've noticed that when I'm playing I hold my clarinet more vertical than other players. Is this wrong and do I have to change it? After I've played for a while I get a pain in my thumb, has this anything to do with it? thanks! Doei! ( means bye )

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RE: my carriage

Author: Meri
Date: 1999-03-22 18:50

Welcome Suzanne!

It seems as if there are two different problems you are having. I will deal with them separately.

1. The verticalness problem. The common angle is 30-40 degrees from the vertical. But before you consider what your angle is, figure out whether you feel as if your sound is 'pinched' in the throat: if you feel that way, then you may be holding your instrument too close. (Too great an angle from the vertical, and the sound is more difficult to control.)

2. The thumb problem. I will assume you are using a good thumb position. But is your thumb directly against the metal of the thumbrest? If it is, consider getting some soft tubing to go around the thumbrest.

Also read, if you can, Barry Green's and Timothy Gallaway's book, The Inner Game of Music, especially on the "Perfect Position" Find the position that gives you the best results with the most comfort.

Hope this helps!

Meri

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