 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: jane84
Date: 2007-02-08 17:58
I described my emb. problems in an earlier post - nor sure how to link to it; it was made the 16th of December and called "big cry for help".(.as this also is.) To sum it up, I'm in my second year at a bachelor's degree and have since last summer had the problem that I got tired after about 20 min. of playing, having to take hour-long breaks.
Since this, I've been to the dentist, who couldn't see anything wrong (either with my jaw or teeth or what else), I've taken a lesson with another teacher who couldn't find anything either (he said that if anything, I "bite too little"), and recently I've switched from 3,5 Vandoren reeds to 3.
Now, last week I was ill, and started playing again on Sunday. I can't feel much improvement yet- maybe in tone, but certainly not in endurance - it's the same 5 min; and I thought I'd been so careful, too, not to overstrain myself. As mentioned, for an upcoming sinfonietta-project, I'm required to play Eb-clarinet, and that probably doesn't help either.
This is all very, very frustrating... My teacher seems to have given up on it, not knowing what it is, and that seems to be the general attitude. I'm beginning to get desperate, actually I'm fiddling around with a friend's oboe; although I think it's a bit late to change over..
Sorry about the rambling, but I really don't know what to do about this. Go and see the doctor? Yet another teacher? Take some sort of sick leave? Or sell both my clarinets and become a taxi driver?
Any suggestions appreciated...
-jane
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Author: vin
Date: 2007-02-08 18:16
I actually find that figuring out how to play eb or any other auxilliary instrument is good for developing embouchure. It helps give a different perspective and gets you out of your "box" a little bit. While it's impossible to diagnose over the internet, I've heard of someone who had a problem similar to what you are describing and what was going on was that they were putting their jaw too far forward which was stressing out many other muscles. Make sure you are blowing right and not constricting the air anywhere and pay attention to your upper lip (and try playing double lip). Also, beware of playing too light a reed (you need some resistance!)
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Author: Jhall
Date: 2007-02-08 18:21
I re-visited the thread regarding your previous question. I don't know if there's anything more to offer.
Perhaps a different teacher would take a different approach and solve the problem.
From playing in dance bands, I developed the endurance to play 4 to 8 hours a day, in blocks of 16 to 32 measures on and 16 to 32 measures off. When I started playing with a local community concert band, I was done before the end of the first page! It took a while before I could develop that kind of endurance. Now if I could just play solid for 4 hours!
Try playing in shorter blocks of time, with corresponding short periods of rest. For example, work on scales for 5 minutes and relax for 5. Play an etude for 5 and rest another 5. Over the weeks you should be able to extend those numbers to 6, 10, 20 minutes.
Be sure you are taking enough reed to allow it vibrate freely. Playing at the tip of the reed works, but takes way too much effort. Here's where a teacher can help. Try to play near the spot the reed and mouthpiece meet - look from the side.
Building up endurance is tough! Good luck!
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Author: jane84
Date: 2007-02-09 17:17
Thanks for reply.
<I've heard of someone who had a problem similar to what you are describing and what was going on was that they were putting their jaw too far forward which was stressing out many other muscles.>
Yes, you may be right...At least, that's where I get the most tired, in the lower lip/chin-area. It does feel a bit better now; I can control my tone again, but still have to take long breaks (hence all this hanging around the computer:)
Funny thing: I've always loved the oboe, though now that I have access to one, it's only made me realise how much I love that clarinet sound! On an oboe, you're much more locked into one specific way of sounding - like my friend said, it can only sound either lovely- or weird. (as for me, of course, lovely is far out of the question! Ah, it's fun, though.)
I had the idea that my emb. would be "broken down" in that week, so if I was real careful when I started playing again, I could build it up properly, like it once used to be...*sigh* And maybe I will - how long does it usually take for someone who practises a few hours a day?
Well, enough for now.
-jane
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-02-09 18:37
If it were me I'd consult a neurologist.
Bob Draznik
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-02-09 19:40
> If it were me I'd consult a neurologist.
Or a TCM doctor. Might be something that must be looked at from a non-mechanistic angle. Who knows, maybe you built up tensions that now manifest themselves in early fatigue.
--
Ben
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Author: sherman
Date: 2007-02-09 21:12
Well, all interesting replies, but the one I'm looking for and have found with many many students and solved with a good bit of success is the following: First, "rest your chops" I use that expression a lot with good results, and it is important; for perhaps a week or more.
Won't that be a pleasure? Just think. Or better, don't think.
Then , when you get back to the instrument, take slightly less mouthpiece in your mouth. It will feel like a lot, but try it, and for a few times, for perhaps five or ten minutes at a shot.
The Eb should not be a problem, for that is usually a joyous change for most people, and the part should be less demanding. If it's the "Polka" from "The Golden Age", ask a friend.
That' all. Give it a shot, nothing to lose.
good luck.
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Author: jane84
Date: 2007-02-10 16:48
Nope, it's Varese's "Octandre" - fun stuff:)
I've noticed lately that I have a tendency to move my chin/lower jaw while plaing, especially when I begin to get tired...that may have an impact?
And Sherman and everybody else: I've just had a week's break, today (saturday) is my 7th day of playing again - that will do, right? Please don't tell me to take another one; I'm far enough behind as it is... I have to make a tape for my foreign exchange-application, I'm going to a college audition in a month, not to mention this eb-stuff AND the fact that my teacher wants me to play both Carl Nielsen and Mozart, starting next lesson. I really don't know whether to be stressed or depressed... don't want to sound impolite or whining, but when I start talking about this, I get so frustrated *sigh*
Again, thanks
-jane
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Author: ww.player
Date: 2007-02-11 18:03
Jane, some teachers are much better than others at diagnosing problems like yours. You need an analyzer that's going to check your embouchure from every angle. You may even be able to do this yourself.
As others have posted, jaw position is the first place to start. Check to see if you are pushing your jaw forward or letting the mouthpiece push it too far back. Don't just go by feel. Actually use a mirror to confirm that your jaw stays in the same alignment relative to your upper teeth as it does when your mouth is closed.
If the alignment is correct, then check for tension. You could be keeping the jaw muscles way too tight. You can check this by moving your jaw while playing, essentially creating vibrato (like a saxophone player may do). If you can easily move your jaw, then the jaw doesn't sound like the problem.
Next, check your embouchure muscles. Use a mirror to do this. A college clarinet major should have a good idea of what a good clarinet embouchure looks like. The corners of the mouth should be tight and, for most people, slightly drawn back. The chin should be flat. There should not be any double folds of the bottom lip showing. The top lip should be pushing down, not pulling back or to the sides. The muscles at the corners of the mouth and chin should feel hard. You can see all this easier if you use your thumb in place of the mouthpiece.
If everything looks right, then you may have a medical condition. It could be related to the muscles, the nerves, or even the blood supply. It may be something that will go away on its own, or it could be serious. If everything else checks out, I recommend that you go see a doctor right away.
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Author: allclarinets
Date: 2007-02-16 21:58
Just my two cents. I think you're putting too much emphasis on your chin. Perhaps accentuating the development of your upper lip will help. This takes the "pull your chin down" pressure off.
Good luck!
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