I just started playing the clarinet, but is my mouth supposed to hurt?

Question

Title says all. I've been playing clarinet for two days now, and I'm doing pretty well. But usually every morning when I wake up my mouth hurts so much. Yes, at night I brush my teeth, floss, and even use mouthwash. I usually sleep at 9 to 10, and wake up at five AM because I just started Middle School this week. But back to the topic, is my mouth supposed to hurt? Oh yeah, my tongue hurts / tingles a little too.

Answer 1

Hello...Yep, your mouth can indeed hurt from beginning to play your instrument...Your cheeks and lips are like any other muscle, they need exercise to toughen up and as you play your exercising them and they will toughen up...As for your tongue, I suspect that as you get more experience playing you will find that in the beginning you used your tongue far to much to create the sounds you wanted....The old adage "Practice make perfect" applies to lip and cheek conditioning as well.....Have you ever noticed the cheek muscles on a professional trumpet player ? They could probably air up a car tire....Good luck and I wish you well.

Answer 2

in the beginning, yes!

Answer 3

Yes, your mouth will hurt for a few days. You are moving parts of your face you have not used in quite some time. You might be blowing a bit too hard. It is new to you, after a few weeks it will stop. Happened to me when I first started too.