 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rhythmacres
Date: 2007-10-05 15:51
I'm always learning from my students. Here's a new one. When one of my students becomes tense, air escapes from his nasal passage. It's pretty noisy. Relaxing is the answer, but I thought it would be good to find out if any other observations would help. Thanks, SC
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Author: Michael P
Date: 2007-10-06 05:15
relaxing isn't the answer in all cases. I have the same problem and have had it evaluated by a doctor. It's called Velopharygeal Stress Incompetence (VPI) and plagues few musicians. It's not too common in single reed players, mostly bassoon players and brass, but can threaten a musicians career. It happens when the player becomes fatigued and begins to have problems closing off the nasal passages from the mouth. My doctor said that there was a new procedure being done to fix the problem and it has had positive results. They perform a lipoinjection to the back wall of the throat helping the player keep their nasal passage closed off from their mouth and lungs. There is a two week down time before you can resume normal playing activity. It is a cosmetic surgery, but the doctor said many insurances pay for it.
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Author: Neal Raskin
Date: 2007-10-06 14:02
This air leakage happens in my playing every once in a while. I have read and heard about it before, and the best advice besides Michael P's that I have would be to immediately stop playing. Then, try and blow air though your nasal passages but purposefully block it off so that no air escapes. If you do this a few times it will help put the muscle/flap back into normal playing position. I also like to take a break for about 5 minutes or so and drink some water, walk around etc. Just to get the muscle to relax and go back. Then I resume playing. If the leak happens again, I stop playing. Like Michael said, this can have devastating effects, so be careful.
Best Wishes,
NMR
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Author: Lollywade87
Date: 2007-10-08 15:06
Hi I had this problem up until a few months ago, when my teacher explained to me that it was in fact lack of support from the diaphragm that causes the nasal air and nasty sound. Pushing out the air using the muscles in your tummy really helps. It also helps to relax your throat by yawning a few times. As soon as you feel the air escaping, however, stop playing and have a break, maybe do some more breathing exercises to relax the muscles again. The time you are able to play for before the noise comes back increases as you practise! Good luck!
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