The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: Reeds

Author: JasonOlney
Date: 2016-12-20 21:36

If I can throw in my handful of cents:

It's really tough to guess what your teacher's intentions are. Sometimes teachers suggest something to correct other issues. I know that I tend to focus way too much on the suggestion and not enough on the actual goal. It could be that you're doing the same thing.

You do quite a lot with your reeds. I've tried lots of different methods and I think the most important thing is that you make gentle adjustments and find a method that gives you some sense of control over your reeds. The less you do is probably for the better but for those of the commenters who are worried about lost practice time- I think most clarinet players spend a fraction of the time with their reeds as double reed players do and somehow they still have time to practice.

My one tangible suggestion is to err on the side of softer reeds for most of your practicing in general. It helps relax the jaw and makes you focus your embouchure, imo. If you're in a transition with the embouchure, softer reeds may allow you to target your lip muscles and not your jaw.

Give any adjustments to your playing a few weeks. Let it settle before judging efficacy.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics

Author

Date

Reeds new

Agomongo

2016-12-14 00:46