 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Drenkier_1
Date: 2004-07-19 17:42
I'm having a daily problem. You see, I'm starting to get discouraged because some days I sound so great, and others I sound ok. But for some reason, I just think I'm getting worse. Is it the reed? Is it me? Is it my chin? What could it be. Please help. Also it seems when i dont practice for a day i sound worse. could that be a problem?
Kevin Collins
Post Edited (2004-07-19 17:58)
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2004-07-19 18:06
Is it a tone issue, or technical? I used to have a lot of problems with tone consistency... I recently switched to Gonzalez reeds which, so far, have proven to be pretty consistent (a problem I was having with vandoren V-12s). I think with clarinet it is important to remove as many variables as possible. We have to contend with reeds, ligatures, mouthpieces etc... all of which can make a big difference. In my younger playing days, I would switch reeds and ligatures trying to find the one that would fit my playing that particular day. I think in the long run, such an approach is probably harmful (or at least NOT helpful) because rather than developing consistent technique, you just do whatever and try to make the clarinet match whatever your body has chosen to do on any given day. I think a first step is finding equipment that you know is good (reeds/lig/mp) so that you can scratch those off the list of potential things that could be going wrong. Then you have no choice but to address any remaining issues with your own playing.
If you are referring to technical (finger/tongue) problems, there are some days when I can pick up the clarinet and tear through any piece I want, no matter how hard... other days I have to work at it. With practice, you definitely improve overall, but there will be days when it just seems like your brain and fingers aren't cooperating. That's normal (at least it has been for me). One thing that has helped me, however, is consistently practicing technique. I don't practice clarinet a whole lot anymore, but I make sure to keep my scales/thirds/arppegios in really good shape. I play through the Klose thirds, scales, major, 7th and diminished arrpegios everyday (or as close to everyday as I can). Doing this is just another way to remove a variable (sloppy fingers). As I said, somedays your brain is just elsewhere and you won't sound your best no matter what, but this can be minimized with a solid technical foundation.
I know you're already a pretty accomplished player, so some of this may have seemed obvious to you. Anyway, I hope it was at least somewhat helpful...
DH
theclarinetist@yahoo.com
Post Edited (2004-07-19 19:35)
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Author: Drenkier_1
Date: 2004-07-19 23:12
Another problem I'm having is my low C / C below the staff, is coming out fuzzy. Is this a reed thing? All my other notes seem to come out fine just that C.
Kevin Collins
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Author: theclarinetist
Date: 2004-07-20 01:09
not sure about that... It sounds like maybe a leak, but I'd think that other notes below the C would be affected also. Maybe someone more knowledgable in the mechanical stuff might know. You can always take it to the shop and have them check. That's what I'd do.
DH
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Author: diz
Date: 2004-07-20 03:33
What does your clarinet teacher think of your woes? (sounds like your instrument needs a tune-up).
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