I am 11 years old and just learning how to play the clarinet.PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!
2006-12-06 08:10:35 · 6 answers · asked by Morgan O 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
think about starting your air from low in your chest and NOT from your mouth. Your cheeks will not puff out and your tone will be bigger and better as well.
Sit UP straight in your chair too!
2006-12-06 08:18:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some players feel that tightening the mouth results in less reed vibration and less sound. It's better to have puffy cheeks when playing loudly and many of the greats do. Start your air low, keep the throat open with an "ah" vowel shape. If you're having trouble with puffing when playing lightly, your mouth may be too relaxed but don't over-tighten.
What thickness and brand is your reed? A heavier reed, it could be the culprit. I love the sound of a Van Doren 3 but it takes a lot of pressure and air and the sound gets muddy in damp weather. Rather than just go with Allied read in damp weather, I switched to a 2 1/2. I get a brighter sound, have less tendency to puff cheeks or overtighten, and can still get a mellower sound when I want it by changing my mouth shape slightly or my position on the mouthpiece.
I have a young student with some air problems. He uses a Rico 2. Van Dorens feel about 1/2 thicker than the Rico numbers. Take a look at the thickness and brand of your reed.
2016-06-08 01:11:15 · answer #2 · answered by davidpetersonharvey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just gotta squeeze them cheeks! I played clarinet all three years back in middle school. I know it's hard, but you gotta build up the muscles in your cheeks. It will be easy in no time. Keep working at it!
Hope I could help!
2006-12-06 08:16:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just stretch your cheeks while playing and focus on blowing straight through your lips. It's hard to explain but you'll eventually get it. You're only 11 so you've got plenty of time. If your cheek muscles are weak, just keep practicing. You'll get it, I promise.
2006-12-06 08:16:50 · answer #4 · answered by Carl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try to stay conscious about keeping your cheeks in. Have a friend let you know when he or she sees you puffing out your cheeks. It'll come in time....just got to put some effort in it. Best of luck to you..........
2006-12-06 08:23:15 · answer #5 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just fouce on not puffing then anything else. And once you get used to it it will become a habit. Good luck!
2006-12-06 11:34:20 · answer #6 · answered by Kayla [(Adam)] 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋