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The problem of winter?

Author: Tom Jackson
Date: 2002-10-13 12:57

Hello!
I'm currentlly having a big problem, that I get every year. It's a sort of clicking noise in the the back of my throat, and I'm sure it's caused by the weather. My nasal cavity gets blocked up and I find it uncomfortable to breathe and play.

The clicking cannot be heard by anyone else, and it physically hurts me.

Has anyone else had similar experiences? And does anyone know if anything can be done?

Thanks for your time,
Tom Jackson.

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RE: The problem of winter?

Author: Marina
Date: 2002-10-13 16:27

Hi Tom
I have exactly the same problem, in fact, I was planning to post about this when I got around to it.

I think it could be sinus related and am not sure if it is allergies or the weather (I noticed this the last month or so).
Also, my teacher can hear the noise.

I haven't tried taking anything but that is my next step.

Marina

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RE: The problem of winter?

Author: d dow
Date: 2002-10-14 02:24

Tom and Marina:

I don't think the clicking sound is asscoiated with the weather.(or season)-- I have students who audibly click and I think it definitely is tension related...some players tend to tighten the throat muscles in orcher to have more control of the sound...this can lead to throat problems or irritation I am sure...and it is bad technique and I usually spend alot of time correcting it.

if the clicking is only felt and not heard then there may be a physical underlying problem, and here is where you should check with your GP or family doctor on what it could be.

Sincerely DD

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RE: The problem of winter?

Author: Brenda
Date: 2002-10-16 14:04

David Dow,

Would it be possible that one tenses up the throat muscles in order to control the sound, when it's really the diaphragm muscles that aren't being used enough for support? I notice this in myself, that's why I bring it up.

By being conscious of sitting upright, expanding the diaphragm, allowing the air flow to come from below, and opening the throat, a bigger sound could be achieved without constricting the throat muscles, and it could avoid the "clicking" sound that's being discussed. Some moderate abdominal exercise and/or aerobic exercise could be called for to strengthen the diaphragm. What's your professional take on this?

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RE: The problem of winter?

Author: Robert
Date: 2002-10-16 16:23

Jack Brymer, in his book "Clarinet" says that there is no muscular action that can bring about an opening in the throat. If we talk about an "open throat", are we not actually talking about the back of the tongue?

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RE: The problem of winter?

Author: d dow
Date: 2002-10-17 16:47

Interesting, I think that exercise is great to stregnthen, but I hardly excercise but I play enough to consider it cardiovascular workouts at times...(6 hours in rehearsal etc.)

DiaPHRAMIC breathing is the way to go and that is a smart observation....

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