 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2009-08-30 11:31
Hi
Sorry if this is a naive question - but apart from playing how can I develop the lip muscles? I start my practice for the day with a reed that is outside my comfort zone and carry on until it starts to hurt - then I go back to my friendly, soft one...
Is this sensible? When playing on the harder reed I am so concentrating on getting notes that any other areas of technique go out of the window...
Thanks for any advice.
Maruja
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-08-30 13:19
You can't pull at the grass in order to make it grow faster...play a reed that you're comfortable with, and if you're gravitating between adjacent strengths, choose the stiffer one, switch back to the softer one if it's your "bad reed day".
"Starting to hurt" is not a good indicator of progress, "gradually getting along better" is preferrable.
When you're comfortable with the chosen strength, you'll likely play with more enthusiasm, and probably for longer periods than with too stiff a reed, which in the end will be more beneficial for your embouchure, and all aspects of your playing.
Good luck, and never forget: playing is meant to be fun.
--
Ben
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Author: skygardener
Date: 2009-08-30 14:47
Ben is right.
If you do insist on switching strengths (and I don't see why it is necessary), you should start with a softer reed and go to a harder one after you are warmed up.
"When playing on the harder reed I am so concentrating on getting notes that any other areas of technique go out of the window..."
The "other areas" are what you should be concentrating on- it should not be a struggle to simply make a sound.
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Author: lazygrl10101
Date: 2009-08-30 17:05
I agree.
When you're in pain, it's probably hard to concentrate on the other areas. 
I've only been playing the clarinet for 7 years in school, and I'm not amazing at it, but I know that notes with no feeling or technique, really doesnt move, and isnt very pleasant to listen to. So Ben and Skygardener are right.
Since you seem to really want to switch reeds, do it gradually and not "until it hurts". There's no need to put yourself in pain while attempting to make music. It just won't work. =P
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2009-08-30 18:09
Very good advise given above. You could practice with a straw when you're not playing the clarinet. You can do that while watching TV or listening to music. Just form your embouchure and blow through it as you would a clarinet. That way you can work to strengthen the muscles when you're not playing. ESP
http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2009-08-30 19:09
...or take your mouthpiece with reed and ligature, and put a party balloon over the barrel end tenon, and inflate the balloon without making any noise, but forming a tight seal with your lips. Sounds simple, looks silly, but does wonders.
--
Ben
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Author: Maruja
Date: 2009-08-31 13:56
I shall definitely try the straw and the balloon (perhaps at the same time!) - seriously, thanks for that advice.
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