The Clarinet BBoard

Reed Strength + various other questions

Author: FlyingFish  Date:   2014-02-05 03:34 So, I think this is pretty long, so umm, if you only have time to read and answer just one instead of all or some of them, then that works too. 1.) I feel like I use a really hard reed strength compared to most people........I've been playing for four years, and currently use a 4.5 V12. I use the M15 mouthpiece, and I've read that it's better to play with harder reeds with closed tip mouthpieces, but I'm not really sure about whether or not it's right, because I feel like the more I play, the softer reeds feel in general (not just a particular reed). I know I was using the wrong strength before, as I was using a 4 V12 with a B45 mouthpiece, and it definitely feels much more comfortable with the M15. Uhh, and so, I have some questions that probably seem like common sense to most. -Is moving on to harder and harder reeds normal? I don't know whether it's my embouchure getting used to it, or whether my embouchure in general is just wrong, or whether this happens to everybody and I'm just overthinking it. -is it normal to be able to play longer with a softer reed compared to a harder one? I feel that my mouth gets tired much faster with a harder reed compared to a soft one 2.) I really don't practice as much as I should (sometime I have a lack of motivation), and perhaps as a result of that, I can only play for so long without my mouth getting tired quickly. I did just move up half a level in hardness lately, and can usually handle 2 hour orchestra rehearsals, but when it comes to practicing at home, I can't even go 30 minutes straight recently. I have gone an hour or so in the past, so I do know it's possible. Obviously, orchestra rehearsals will have moments where only strings play and winds rest, and some easier moments, whereas when I practice at home, I usually try to go over all the parts I can't play (in other words, the intense parts), which probably wears out my mouth much faster. That together with the fact that recently, I have not liked any of my reeds, and switch them around quite often within one practice (I know, this needs to change). Should I just practice longer and more often until my embouchure becomes stronger? 3.) I have a private teacher, and for the most part, I like her. She picks out the most suitable pieces for solo and ensemble, made my music interpretation and expression much better, and made my technique fly. My mother and I also like her personality and find that having a very good teacher and playing together with her definitely helps. However, she has a tendency of being too chatty, taking away a lot of lesson time instead of spending it on music. Also, she doesn't spend too much time on embouchure, if at all, which is something I feel is kind of necessary. Her viewpoint is that tone is something that will get better in time and with practice, thus doesn't work too much with embouchure. I agree, but worry that my embouchure (yes, I've said this word quite a bit, haven't I?) isn't correct, completely wrong, somewhat okay but could be better, etc. But those two things I can live with, mostly. I think my biggest concern is that she doesn't push very much. Not as in giving easy music all the time (she gives challenging music), but when I'm not feeling motivated, she doesn't particularly criticize or yell at me for not practicing or getting too much done, which I feel is something that I need. Of course, this is also my fault, for not practicing enough (obviously), something that should be a given, but in the moments when I'm in a slump of practicing/playing, or just lose all motivation to practice, there's nothing that really stops me from not practicing, whereas most people would feel, "I have to practice or I'll get in trouble" or something along those lines. Well, although I made the complaints much longer than the compliments, I do like this teacher a lot, but want to know if those things would significantly slow down my progress. Would anybody suggest switching teachers, or staying with the same teacher? Though, lately, I've been getting out of my slump so I should be okay with motivation for now. 4.) (I'm sorry for making this so long :/) this question is nice and short, what are some general materials for adjusting reeds? I know sandpaper and reed knives are two, but what are the others, and which would you recommend? How much do they generally cost, and how easy are they to use? I have a pretty bad issue with killing my reeds and not breaking them in well (I'm trying to fix this one by only using reeds for a few minutes when they're new), as well as pretty bad luck with finding reeds that I like, so would learning how to adjust reeds help? (it's over, thank goodness) for anybody who read to the end, thank you for dealing with this overly long post

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