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Learning new tricks

Author: gsurosey
Date: 2010-10-05 04:24

The main thing I'm working on in my lesson right now is working to improve my tone quality. We've done some setup modification. That includes changing reed strength (Vandorens, from a Rue Le Pic #4 down to a Traditional #3), and trying to ditch the neck strap. My teacher said the strap is actually hindering me. I tried playing without it at my lesson last week. He said when I don't use it, my left hand is a lot less squirrelly (it tends to turn up and out when I play) and I tend to hold my clarinet at a better angle.

One thing I have to get used to is changing my head position. I hold my head down too low when I play (as in looking down), which closes up my throat and thus the sound. So, he tried an experiment. He put the stand up so high that the desk was above my head, thus forcing me to turn my head upward. Better sound. So, I have to work on that. He also had me try resting the bell on my knees. Even though I'm short, that felt funny (like I had to lean way forward for it to work). Not sure if that'll stay or not. He says the lady that currently plays 2nd with the RPO (Robert DiLutis is on leave I think), recommends the bell-resting thing.

Anyone else ever have trouble with something that was supposed to help you play (in my case, the neck strap), end up hindering your playing?

Isn't working on breaking 21 years of bad habits fun? Hey, if it's improves my playing (which it is so far), let's do it!

Rachel

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