The whole body is involved and used in playing the clarinet.

To be healthy and in good physical condition is invaluable to your mental well-being as well as your ability to play.

To truly play a wind instrument to its maximum capability, you must be a physically mature adult.

To play the clarinet correctly your body must be relaxed. No unnecessary muscular tension should exist in any part of the body, for if it does, it will surely transfer throughout and stifle both technique and musicality.

It is important to strive for this relaxation because each performance will bring the onset
of tension, pressure and adrenalin.

Bring the clarinet to your body as an extension of the body itself. Do not wrap yourself around the clarinet or contort yourself in any way. You must allow your entire body to resonate and vibrate with vitality and tone, especially the oral cavity, the sinuses, the head and the throat.

Learn the following by practicing in front of a full-length mirror. Always keep your head level when playing. The hairline, the brow and the eyebrows must remain relaxed and motionless, never moving up and down through the actions of the muscles of the face and scalp. The motion of the eyes must remain flexible. The nostrils will be slightly flared when the pressure of the top lip against the mouthpiece is correctly applied. The back and spine must remain straight, though not rigid. It is important t extend the vertical line of the spinal column upwards through the vertebrae and nape of the neck. This will keep the head from drooping and so prevent pinching of the air column in the throat, rolling of the shoulders, hunching of the back, and an unsightly, timid and introspective stage demeanor.

It is of vital importance that no tension exist in the area of the sternum (just below the breastbone). The shoulders must always remain down, level and back in a naturally graceful and healthy posture. The tendency is to lift the left shoulder too high and/or roll both shoulders forward.

The shoulders should never be shrugged in the mistaken attempt to make or aid an expressive musical gesture. Do not lift the shoulders when taking a breath.

The arms must remain relaxed and naturally close to the sides, but not pressing against them. The arms must not stick out awkwardly away from the body. They must never flap
or keep time with the music. Care must be taken that the wrists are not held stiffly in relation to the arms and hands.

The knees must be kept relaxed and never locked backwards. There should be strength in the legs between the knees and the toes. Keep both feet on the floor at all times. It is important to always retain your balance, keep your center of gravity low and
have a feeling of growing out of the stage. Center yourself from the area of your abdomen several inches below your navel--from the source of the flow of air. To play standing is a different matter than to play seated. Both require practice.

Back to Tongue, Throat and Articulation or forward to Study

return to top