 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: skittleys
Date: 2010-10-02 06:10
I'm really getting into the clarinet again after a long hiatus, and I'm struggling! In particular, I can't maintain a good embouchure for more than 10 minutess or so -- in fact, last week at a band rehearsal, my muscles were so fatigued that I couldn't even keep my lips near the mouthpiece anymore! I also can't move my tongue anywhere near as quickly as before, and tire out after just a few notes! I know that this will get better with practise, but are there any particular exercises I can do sans clarinet that will help me out? And are there any particular methods for increasing articulation speed that you might recommend?
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2010-10-02 07:29
There was a post about this around 2 weeks ago. You may wish to check it out.
If you practice for about 2 or 3 weeks starting at the 10 minute mark you are at, try resting for about 10 minutes and then play the horn again. After a day or 2 add another 5 minutes twice a day. Within a week most likely you will be able to play around 20 to 30 minutes. Keep doing this technique and add long tones at the beginning of your practice. Start off soft and continue to ff and back down to pp. Of course pay attention to the sound quality of each note.
I'm sure within just 2 weeks, providing you can practice everyday, you will be able to handle any amount of time within reason.
I've had a few issues in which I couldn't practice, or I was told not to practice. The last one was after breaking my back. Although I was flat on my back for a bit I still played the horn and the only thing I played were long tones. Beats watching TV! Anyway, playing long notes in my opinion is the best way to exercise the muscles and develop good breathing techniques as well as your sound quality.
Let us know how you are doing.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2010-10-02 07:32)
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Author: Le9669
Date: 2010-10-04 03:48
If you'd like a simplified version, rest for as long as you play. For example if you play 5 minutes, rest 5 minutes, and repeat the cycle. Do about 60-80% of playing using double lip, once those muscles are used, you'll build a lot of endurance. =)
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