Clarinet Questions?

Question

HII! Okay, so I started to paly the clarinet at my school a couple of months ago, hopefully I can continue next year.

I need soem help though, like how can I increase my stamina to play longer songs? I take a deep breath, then I play and can barely finish the line without running out of breath.

Also, my jaw starts to hurt alot after, for a bit becuase I know I'm, not used to using those muscles yet. If I play more will they just stop hurting after awhile?

THANKS!

Answer 1

I play both the flute and the clarinet and am a music major (for piano but thats besides the point). This goes for all wind instruments: to help with your breathing the proper way to breathe is to fill in your stomach first and then your lungs. If you find that you are lifting your shoulders a lot more than normal you're filling your lungs up too much first.

Answer 2

awesome, another clarinet player!  ok, so i'm in my hs band and we always play in 4 measure phrases, so you breathe after every 4 measures.  yeah, your jaw will hurt, it'll go away, you haven't been playing for long.  for the stamina, make sure you aren't blowing too hard.  take a deep breath taking the air in and kind of fill in your chest (like don't keep it in your mouth, fill your lungs with LOTS of air).  practice playing in whole notes, make sure to get those whole measure phrases.  then practice those 4 measures with half notes, make sure to tongue.  it always seems to take more air the more you tongue.  then do the same for quarter notes, then eighth.  do those 4-measure phrases at least three times before moving to the shorter note and make sure to go in order.  i'd practice on either one note (middle c, thumb and three fingers, or g, no fingers).  or on a concert b flat scale (c scale, middle c to the next c and back down).  if you do the scale, which i reccomend, do the whole scale in whole notes, up and down, then the whole scale in half notes, then quarter notes, and so on.  you should breathe before you start, between f and g (thumb and no fingers) and at the top (after c).  the same goes for going down the scale.  just practice that, i know it's boring to practice but you have to.  it might also be the reed that makes it hard to have enough breath.  you should have a 1 1/2 or 2 strength reed, it says on the back on the bottom.  if it's harder then that (a higher number) it's too tough for you to breathe in and only time and experience can fix that.  e-mail me for more questions, this is my 6th year playing clarinet, i'll be happy to help, it's [e-mail], i'll be more then happy to help

happy playing and good luck!

Answer 3

ok yea Ive played clarinet for 3 years

You will just get better at the time thing Its like running you need to practice a little at first then work your way to longer times

and for the second thing I still have problems with that sometimes but the best thing (again) that i can say is to get your jaw used to that. It will take a while though so patience!!..

But keep it up. Not that many people play in bands anymore!!!

Answer 4

Hello. I've played clarinet for 3 years, alto sax for 6 years, and bass clarinet for 2.

First, when you say your jaw hurts, do you mean literally your jaw muscles? Or do you mean you embechore (mouth muscles)? I don't know how you can even use your jaw unless your sticking it out in which case i suggest you try not. I am not trying to be particular, but if your jaw should be relaxed while playing. But if it is your mouth that is hurting, than that's a good thing. Your building muscle and the best thing to to about it is play more. Though to specifically improve your Embechore muscles and tone production, you should do at least five minutes of long tones every day. These are generally very boring, but every professional wind player does them, i guarentee. Just start on low C, start piano and cracendo slowly to forte and back down to piano. This will also help with your air control. Do this all the way up to high C. Soon you will notice many benifits from your hard work such as better tone, and longer breaths.

Secondly, increasing your breath size. I am shocked to hear no one mention the diaphram yet. The diaphram is the key to large breaths and long notes. Lay on your back and take in a few deep breaths. Notice your shoulders don't rise but instead your stomach does. That is your diaphram in action. Now sit up and try to breath strictly from the diaphram. once your stomach is full fill up your chest with air. When exhaling, start with the diaphram and squeeze up like a bottle of toothpaste. Use this with those long tones and soon your problems with end.

I also suggest you get a private clarinet teacher. They can be very useful for these types of questions. Good luck and keep practicing.