 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: n_hanson12
Date: 2003-10-21 20:57
Hello all,
I was wondering what the correct position is when holding a clarinet; technically anyway. When I first started six years ago, I was taught to hold it as vertical as possible, but I was recently told that it should actually be held much further out and away from the body. It was described to me like this: if you place your chin on your chest, put your clarinet in your mouth, and look straight up, moving the clarinet as you move your head up, it will be in the correct position. Does anyone know where it "should" be held, or is it more of a personal preference?
~Nicki
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-10-21 21:08
Nicki ,
The clarinet should be held fairly close to the body because of the
mouthpiece design, so that the lower lip can support the reed. The
mouthpiece should point slightly toward the roof of the mouth.
The right thumb, under the thumb rest, supports the instrument's
weight just above the base of the thumb nail.
The fingers of the right hand arch slightly as the balls of the
fingers fit the centers of the rings to close them, with the index
finger slightly inclined upward to work the side keys when
necessary.
The little finger hovers over the keys so that those closest can be
played with a curved finger and those farthest away with a straight
finger. This avoids movement of the right hand, which could result
in a leak.
The left thumb falls diagonally on the thumb hole, allowing the
upper tip to reach the register key when necessary by tilting the
thumb without moving it out of position.
In spite of all that, some great clarinet players have been successful with different grasps. IMO one prescription doesn't necessarily fit all.
Regards,
Hans
Post Edited (2003-10-21 22:19)
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Author: coasten1
Date: 2003-10-22 21:16
I have heard both ways to hold the clarinet. Close and out. My current clarinet teacher was of the hold out method. If the clarinet started to fall closer to my body, she would reach behind and move it out.
Honestly, IMO, I believe the mouthpiece has to be in the embouchure a correct way but that may result in the clarinet being held at varying distances from the body because of mouth shapes. An overbite or an underbite can cause different positioning of the mouthpiece in the mouth.
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-10-23 03:05
Yes, coastenl, your second paragraph really says it all...
CLARINET position is all about the position of the mouthpiece in the mouth, and NOT from the relationship of the "stick" to the body. Like you said, diferent mouth shapes result in different mp angles, and therefore in different clarinet angles...as long as you've got your mp in your mouth fairly vertically, you're on the right track!
Katrina
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Author: Andreas
Date: 2003-10-23 13:15
1)...interesting to compare with the playing position of saxophonists playing the soprano saxophone. Just because the sax players are used to a much more horisontal approach to the mouth piece, the tend to hold the soprano quite much straight out from their body, or bending the head down, all to get the same angle to the mouthpiece. Btw.
2) When discussing the playing posture, I find it more important to talk about the whys then the shoulds. A certain playing position (i.e. angle from the body, position of arms, shoulders, fingers, teeth on the mouthpiece etc.) is the result of listening to your own body and the clarinet; what is comfortable? in which position do MY hands work most freely? when do I get the best sound out of the instrument?
3) I sometimes hold the clarinet straight out to achieve an extra penetrating sound. Works very well sometimes in folk music!
Andreas
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Author: Katrina
Date: 2003-10-24 00:45
Well, yes, Andreas...folk music does sometimes require such "extended" techniques! I've used that one myself too a time or two! My general approach with students, though, is to start with a "neutral" position (or tonguing technique, or whatever...) and then adapt as necessary for the musical context. I assumed from the original posting that the "neutral" or "basic" holding position was what was being questioned.
Katrina
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Author: Rene
Date: 2003-10-24 06:36
Just my humble opinion:
I am an advocate of the "hold out" method (not too far, mind you). Here are my arguments:
First of all, it lets you breath more freely. I have noticed beginners, who were told to hold the clarinet upright, and they press the arms against the body, which clearly does nothing good. I find it actually difficult to hold the clarinet vertically and have a free blow.
Secondly, a vertical position clearly increases the lip pressure against the reed. This is the last thing a beginner needs! On contrary, most must learn to produce the tone with the blow and not the lip.
Thirdly, in general the position should be as natural as possible. And holding the clarinet vertically does not look or feel natural at all to me.
The only thing that speaks for a vertical position is that the tongue can act more easily. However, this only means that you must not hold it out too far. But note that sax players have the reed almost horizontally and still are able to tongue! So it maybe only a matter of getting used to it.
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Author: Andreas
Date: 2003-10-24 09:13
Katrina:
I agree with the idea of finding a 'neutral position'. I do not try to advocate holding out the clarinet! With my posting I just tried to put some other aspects of playing posture than just merely right/wrong.
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Author: coasten1
Date: 2003-10-24 15:24
"But note that sax players have the reed almost horizontally and still are able to tongue! So it maybe only a matter of getting used to it."
Just remember, although similar, the clarinet mouthpiece and saxophone mouthpiece have different designs. If you stretch your imagination, you could almost think of the clarinet embroucher as you would play a flute and the saxophone embroucher as you would play an oboe. A slightly downward air vs and outward air. Just my crazy perspective on things. :-)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-10-25 04:08
Well my clarinet sticks out somewhat. However, my lower jaw sticks out further than the upper one. Maybe that's why. I've also seen someone hold it ABSOLUTELY vertical. And her lower jaw was very recessed. So I think it depends at least somewhat on the genetic and physiological makeup of the person. I simply CAN'T hold it vertically without putting tremendous pressure on the reed (like Rene has said). Which I don't want to do.
Just hold it at an angle that is comfortable to you, and doesn't pinch the reed. Also where you face your head affects how the clarinet is. I've seen people play straight out, but their head is tilted back and they are looking "down" towards the music. Just be comfortable. I don't think there's a wrong way or right way. As long as you're not putting the bell in your mouth or anything like that . . .
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Sue G
Date: 2003-10-25 18:38
Well I'm a vertical holder ! Arms not tight to my side though.
I find it more comfortable and much easier to get the higher notes - only in the middle register you understand - I'm not that good yet !!!
Sue
:)
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