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 Help with breathing?
Author: TheClarinetKid 
Date:   2017-06-12 16:06

I am doing my diploma soon at the end of the month.

My repertoire is Three Intermezzis by Stanford, Fantastiestucke by Schumann and 1 & 2 & 5 out of the 5 Bagatelles by G.Finzi.

By around 70% way through, I feel my embouchure shutting down, really shaky tone and air projection and my legs all shaky and feel like I am going to die. The 3rd Schumann really finishes that off with those repeated passages which is pretty impossible to find a place to breath.

I think this is a problem with my stamina and breathing.

In the next few weeks (2 or 3 weeks) what are some good daily exercises that will help me improve my breathing and stamina?

When playing should I try to breathe with my nose or my mouth?

PLEASE HELP, I know how to play the pieces if I had a good rest in between but going next piece to next (which is how the exam goes) it really kills me at the 60~70% mark.

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Buffet Crampon E11 Clarinet (French Buffet)
Buffet Crampon 'Vintage' R13 Clarinet


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 Re: Help with breathing?
Author: WhitePlainsDave 
Date:   2017-06-12 17:56

"I think this is a problem with my stamina and breathing."

I concur. You may lack the aerobic fitness and facial muscle stamina. This is not meant to be derogatory. The best of us can "work up a sweat."

"In the next few weeks (2 or 3 weeks) what are some good daily exercises that will help me improve my breathing and stamina?"

Before I answer, I want to define the terms, so were on the same page.

In a very not necessarily scientific way, I am going to define stamina into two categories, aerobic and muscular. Scientifically, to say the two aren't anything but intertwined would be rubbish.

But separating the two I'm going to put aerobic stamina under your title of breathing, and when I say "stamina," refer to it as muscular, or specifically in this case, the ability to maintain a proper embouchure.

With the, "check with a doctor before beginning any exercise routine," liability waiver behind me, aerobic fitness (he says rather to the point) is a product of healthy aerobic activity: i.e. elevating the respiratory and cardiovascular systems by limited amounts, over limited time periods, vis a vis joint stress controlled physical activity. A plethora of valid data on how much, what, and for how long to do this (20 minutes not overdoing it initially is a good basic number) exists on topic specific websites concerning same that this poster will defer you to, no differently than I would expect said sites to waive discussion of topics like "proper reed position," for here.

I'll leave it at walk, swim, run, bike, stairs.

Perhaps the solution to embouchure (the "stamina") is no different in principle (i.e. use it or lose it.) I'll make the same assumptions about proper health and diet, but no differently than "to acquire a more muscular chest, do chest exercises," will I suggest exercising face muscles.

It's here though that the best methods to accomplish this, I suspect will draw different opinions.

First there's endurance playing. Aim at keeping a strong embouchure for longer periods of time, i.e. force yourself (under controlled circumstances)--no differently than endurance running. So that we understand each other, controlled circumstances is buzz speak for slow and steady improvements.

Then there's, for example, products (which IMHO generally tend to be poorly spent $) like $.99 face tighteners on ebay, of products like Gilad's Wind-o product.

(Clarification, I think the Wind-o does as described, I question whether less costly methods aren't equally as effective, even if you can use aspects of the Windo-0, while, for example, reading a novel that clarinet play won't afford you. I'm all for technological improvements acquired by the purchaser who fully grasps the idea of how "amazing" it is (isn't) that we all got by before "gold ligatures.")

Then there's some people will that will tell you to practice long tones--good advice.

There are a dozen others approaches; perhaps no less valid as mine to "stamina." I think the point is not to become bogged down with them or overthink things, and immediately discount "miracle advice."

You want a stronger embouchure: you can make weekly improvements, but it's a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time: time put in not simply in the long run, but by, in each practice session, increasing the length of said sessions while forcing yourself to maintain proper form in all regards, including of course embouchure.

Given your limited time frame, incentive to overdo is high. Avoid this.

"When playing should I try to breathe with my nose or my mouth?"

As a generally rule, I can acquire air faster when I breath through my mouth, which is why I opt for this method when playing clarinet.

This is not to say there aren't exceptions: a player trying desperately to not disturb the embouchure coming off a, say, pianissimo [A6], seeking to stop, and re-enter this note with the same quiet...or for circular breathing, when the nose must be used to acquire oxygen.



Post Edited (2017-06-12 18:50)

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 Re: Help with breathing?
Author: kdk 
Date:   2017-06-12 19:09

It's worth at least considering that you're wasting a lot of energy through inefficient technique or equipment. I assume you have a clarinet teacher who is guiding you through the preparation for this. What does your teacher say about your lack of endurance?

Karl

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 Re: Help with breathing?
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2017-06-18 17:06

It's my experience that most people will say breathe through your nose but in reality I find most players I observed breathe through their mouths or a combinatlon of both. The secret to breathing through your mouth, which I find more effective for myself, is NOT to lift your teeth off the mouthpiece or your lower lip off the reed but the breathe though the sids of you mouth otherwise you're resting your embouchure each and every time. I'm sure some peope will not agree with me but I've been playing and teachng for a long time and seen many professional player play. Of course breathing down low and filling your lungs quickly helps. I have some tips for that on my web page but there's many other sources.

ESP eddiesclarinet.com

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 Re: Help with breathing?
Author: ClarinetRobt 
Date:   2017-06-18 20:21

When I was recovering from Bell's Palsy, I went through some great exercises to help strengthen my face to aid in my recovery. I also learned quickly, some of the exercises were instrumental in strengthening my embouchure without actually putting my horn in my mouth.

Take a look at these:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176273772890794894/
I've found the "Marilyn and Smiling Fish Face" really seemed useful.

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 Re: Help with breathing?
Author: DougR 
Date:   2017-06-19 00:40

I think these are good suggestions. I would just add, is it possible you could play the whole program SEATED? I assume whoever's conducting the exam would readily accommodate someone with a serious physical disability that prevented them from standing to play all the pieces.

I wonder if it might not make sense to make the request, at least, on the theory that 1) it would let them know you have a physical problem, and 2) they might say "Sure, play them seated."

Whatever you decide, good luck!!

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 Re: Help with breathing?
Author: Bob Bernardo 
Date:   2017-06-19 06:20

Seems like more practice is needed if you are a bit shaky. Maybe more long tones when you first start to practice for a 1/2 hour or so. 2 hours of practice per day should begin to solve this issue.


Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces


Yamaha Artist 2015




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 Re: Help with breathing?
Author: Ed Palanker 
Date:   2017-06-19 19:53

I've seen pros play solos sitting so if you think that helps you can quote me. Our former principal, Steve Barta was one that always sat while playing solos.

ESP eddiesclarinet.com

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