My clarinet gives me heart burn. What do I do?

Question

Ok so I just started playing the clarinet a few weeks ago in school and I absolutely love it. The problem is, that it gives me heart burn. I'm only in middle school, so what can I do to help it?

Answer 1

I wonder too... how does it give you heartburn?  

Heartburn is the result of acid levels being too high during digestion- right after eating.  It can begin to overflow from the stomach and into the esophagus... when you get this chronically, it's known as acid reflux.

The only thing I can think of is that you are not breathing properly and are swallowing air, causing you to be gassy.  

You can work on your breathing in 2 ways...

Lay flat on your back on the floor.  Bend your knees so that your feet are flat and comfortable on the ground.  Now put your hands on your stomach, with your thumbs just below your sternum (breast bone).  Inhale deeply, counting slowly to 8.  Your tummy should fill up and expand like a balloon... the rest of your chest should NOT move, and your shoulders should not move either.  Do this a few times until JUST your stomach is expanding.  Now, flex that muscle under your hands (your diaphragm) like someone is about to punch you.  Breathe out for 8 counts, using that muscle to force the air out.

This is how you should be breathing when you play.  Your stomach may be sore for a few weeks, but this is correct breathing.

The other thing you can do is to sit up straight and concentrate on breathing... in through your nose and out through your mouth.  This is common in meditation.  Do this for a couple minutes before you practice.  Also, try to fill up your stomach in 1 count, and take 8 to exhale... this will be important as you progress in your playing.  Start training yourself now.

Other than that, I have no clue what could be causing you heartburn.  If the problem continues, I would see a doctor... I doubt it is a result of the clarinet.

Good luck, and hope you feel better! Have fun! :)

Answer 2

switch to the tuba

Answer 3

how does it give you heartburn??