 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: TomD
Date: 2007-07-25 13:58
I am 52 and started playing again (taking lessons) after not really playing seriously since about 21. Technique, tone and stamina are coming back nicely (slow but sure). The one problem I am having is with the altissimo register, especially high E and Eb. For example, if I am doing scales, when I get to those notes, they often just don't come out. I thought it was the reeds but then my teacher mentioned that my throat might be tightening up. If I concentrate on keeping the throat muscles relaxed, it makes a big difference, however, the reed does also play a big part. Tom Ridenour says that if a reed is balanced correctly that you shouldn't have to change wind or embouchure to get up to those notes.
I notice that if I am playing a passage where I am getting a little winded, it is harder to keep the throat relaxed. Are there any exercises for helping this? I can't remember if this was a problem when I was playing in my younger days.
BTW, my equipment:
6 month old Yamaha CSG with Hamilton plating
Vandoren M30 mouthpiece
Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic #4
Thanks for any help.
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Author: katie_netie
Date: 2007-07-25 14:11
If you just got started (I couldn't tell from your post how long you've been back at it) it's possible that you just need to be patient. When we were all learning for the first time, it took a while for those notes to come out nicely. That's not only because we needed to learn 'how' to make them come out, but we needed to develop the right muscles and our bodies needed to learn how to give the much needed support...
So my only advice is to keep working at it slowly with exercises that teach new students that register and not to panic about it. If you are anxious that the notes won't come out, you'll really tense up. And if you're winded... take a breath.
My first teacher used to always say that our air supply was like a gas tank, you never wanted to run out. Take breaths before you're dying for one, and your playing will be more consistent and flow more easily. Plus, you'll feel way better if you're not gasping!
Katie
Yamaha Custom SEV, Vandoren M13, Vandoren Optimum Ligature
Buffet E11 Eb Clarinet, Vandoren leather ligature and B44 mouthpiece
Going into second year university for music
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Author: TomD
Date: 2007-07-25 14:21
I've been back at it for about a year and a half. Thanks for the suggestions.
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2007-07-25 15:33
Poke that M30 deep into your mouth. If you aren't using all the reed, it won't speak in the alti.
Get it there by taking more and more mouthpiece into your mouth until you squeak on open G, then pull it out just a little bit.
It is also vital to have the reed balanced.
Bob Phillips
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