 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Yusuf Zaid
Date: 2000-11-27 19:35
I'm putting this reply as a new topic as it might help other people.
From Yusuf
In response to replies on the practice routine I put forward.
First it seems that I,m on the right track as regards the routine as a whole. Thank
you.
I mentioned at the beginning to keep the shoulders down and extend the
diaphragm down to form that important column of air required to play a good
note. By keeping the shoulders down I didn't intend to give the impression that
the shoulders should be PUSHED down. This, of course, restricts the rib cage
from rising and does not allow the maximum amount of air to be drawn into the
lungs. Also, pushing the shoulders down creates tension in the shoulders. This
tension then transmits itself to the arms, hands and fingers which is exactly what
we are trying to avoid. Tension really screws up your playing. Try playing with a
tennis ball between your elbows and your rib cage without letting the balls drop.
Exagerated ,I know but it proves a point.
We should conciously allow the shoulders to drop and 'float' above the rib cage in
a perfectly relaxed position. Relaxing the shoulders and concentrating on pulling
the diaphragm down results in an automatic release of tension in our arms,hands
and fingers,and the rest of the body. It is often said to people who are getting up
tight, "Come on now, TAKE A DEEP BREATH and relax." It really works. Its
surprising how tension can creep into the shoulders without our being aware of
it. I'm probably preaching to the already converted but I think its good to be
reminded now and again.
As far as the length of time spent practicing long tones and tonguing. If you do a
chromatic scale using long tones and follow this with a few variations such as
jumping through 2 or 3 octaves whilst maintaining a steady tone, 15 minutes just
flies by. As for the tonguing practice, if you are already a proficient clarinetist,
tonguing of course has become second nature to you whereas a beginner such as
myself needs much more practice at this and requires a longer session.
Still, the routine is intended to be flexible to suit the needs of different people.
Thanks again for responses ,encouragement and helpfulness.
For Anji
I am fortunate that my work situation allows me to start quite early in the morning and gives me the whole of the rest of the morning to myself, about 5 hrs. This allows me to practice taking plenty of breaks. I don't have to take my practice session all in one go.
My lips are fine ,thank you, I've had no trouble there. The right wrist gave me a little trouble at first but some good self help physio therapy helped and I've had no problems since
No interesting pieces yet and maybe not for a while as I am in the process of learning to read music as I learn to play. The playing is coming along really well but I seem to be a bit 'word blind' when it comes to reading music. I have trouble relating the notes on the paper to the keys on the instrument. I've always played by ear since I can remember and old habits die hard. Still, I will keep at it. Its got to come together eventually. You wait, I'll be laying in me grave still trying to figure it out. No really, its all pretty new stuff to me. I'll get there.
Take care
Yusuf.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2000-11-27 22:10
I would lay 2:1 odds that your breakthrough is just around the corner.
You may not even notice when it happens; the fingers will begin to fall into place.
Ear training is probably the toughest part of a musician's skil to develop, and you may very well have some accelerating sense of accomplishment as a result.
I play some entertaining jazz pieces from www.windmusicplus.com; whom have transcribed some classics to Bb. Also "Jazz for Juniors" was a good value.
The Music Minus one set is less forgiving, the tempi are strict (and fast).
I bought the Ellington selections, and feel a little rocky yet.
If you have a local station that takes classical requests, check out Eleni Kariandrou's latest film score (nice clarinet work).
Yudaman!
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