Hi guys!

I've noticed a lot recently that I get very tired when playing...I can't play long notes like I used to be able to, I get dizzy spells and the note wobbles....the top notes I go for like the D (2 ledger lines above) , the C# below it and sometimes even the C.

The only thing that may have caused this is changing to a harder reed (Vandoren 3). But that was ages ago...I was playing on Ricos before though...would that affect it??

Or....is it just me? Do I need to toughen up?

Try a different reed. What mouthpiece/barrel are you using? Which clarinet?

Many people say that the mothpiece, reed and barrel combination are far more important than the clarinet.

Steve

And also ensure you are generally well in your health. It sounds like an instrument problem but recovering from a heavy cold, flu-type illness etc can also cause such problems if you try to sustain a heavy programme of playing too soon.

If you're happy you, personally, are not the problem then I'd investigate further by returning to your old reeds and see what happens. If the problem goes away, you've got your answer - if it stays you'll need to check out other possibilities. What does your teacher think?

Hope you get this sorted - always a nuisance when you can't play as you want.

I'm playing a Buffet B12 clarinet, the original barrel, mouthpiece and ligature...I will go through some of my old reeds.



I'm pretty sure I'm quite healthy...I do have a slight cold, but I had these problems before, all through the summer....

Haven't spokenm to teacher yet. Think I might, I have my next lesson on Wednesday.