 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jenn
Date: 2001-02-06 02:41
Sometimes when I'm practicing, my jaws will get loose and I can't hold my embochure no matter what I do. When this happens I usually just take a break, but today it happened right before I had a playing test and it was extremely difficult to make it through the piece! Does anyone know why this would happen, or how I can fix it? Thanks in advance!
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Author: Daniel Bouwmeester
Date: 2001-02-06 11:59
Jenn,
How long do you practice each day? How do you practice ?
Embouchure problems are usually caused by tiredness of the muscles of your jaw. When playing using the flat chin embouchure, muscles get tired if you are not playing very often, or are warming up the wrong way.
I suggest you work on long tones. I work long tones in front f the mirror, looking at my chin.. The chin should be as flat as possible. I spend usually a half hour a day on long tones. go from, low E, to contra high C.
Long tones are good for warming up the muscles of your jaw. (It's like when you go running. If you don't warm up, you can have muscle problems)
When practicing, you have to take breaks once in while. After each break you have to warm up again... long tones aagin (don't need to do half hour every time).
I can suggest you don't play at all days when you have important performances. It keeps you away from stress, and it leaves your jaws fresh.
When I play for contests, I never play the same day. I come an hour before I have to play. Spend 20 minutes on long tones (using cigaret paper), 20 minutes warming up fingers (scales).. and twenty minutes relaxation on my own in a quiet room and that's all. I don't take any effort in my preparation.
Anyway, I hope this will help you
Regards
Daniel
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-02-06 13:51
Jenn -
If the problem is fatigue, then what Daniel advises is exactly right. However, reading between the lines, you seem to be saying that it came as a surprise. Can you predict when it's going to happen, either by how you feel or by how long you've been practicing? If not, it may be a problem with your jaw getting out of joint. If so, you need to see a dentist or doctor who specializes in musicians.
This is such an individual thing that it's hard to give advice without seeing you play. Your teacher is your first resource.
Good luck.
Ken Shaw
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Author: J. Butler
Date: 2001-02-06 16:51
All the above is GREAT advice. I've noticed that students with braces seem to have more of a problem as described above than those who do not.
John
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-02-06 22:15
Conformational changes to the mandible and maxilla cause stress in the bone.
Normal responses to this low-level pain include clenching of masseters and other facial muscles.
No wonder the kids are tired!
anji
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2001-02-10 10:21
Try using a softer reed of better quality and concentrate on sound and flexibilty.
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