Author: joannew
Date: 2007-01-18 17:37
here are a couple of good places to start learning about the Alexander technique, but it is a practice that needs to be taught hands-on, one on one with an instructor. It teaches us to re-learn our body awareness, so that we can take control of bad habits (such as grinding the teeth at night, slouching, nervous responses, etc). It is extremely useful to musicians because it can help prevent repetitive strain injuries and alleviate stage fright, but indirectly it also improves the ability to express musical ideas.
http://www.alexandertechnique.com/musicians.htm
http://www.alexandercenter.com/pa/
I used to grind my teeth at night and habitually clench my jaw, and I think that is what has led to my hearing disorder. But since I started learning Alexander technique I don't grind my teeth anymore, have much less tension in the jaw and facial muscles, and my tinnitus is now much reduced. I also have better posture, and have found a new hand position for clarinet playing that reduces fatigue on the right wrist, which should help a long-standing tendonitis issue.
I also have started playing with a double-lip embouchure to try learn to play without biting.
Just for clarification: everyone has TMJ - this is the temporomandibular joint (the jaw hinge). A TMJ disorder or TMD is what should send you to a doctor/dentist. But in my experience the standard treatment for TMD is ineffective at best, or counterproductive at worst. Read here:
http://www.is.wayne.edu/mnissani/bruxnet/advice.htm
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
