Me and Nat have been thinking (dangerous I know) and we don't see how blowing down our clarinets for 30 seconds and doing long notes helps with tone. Something must work because mine has improved * slightly * but how can I make it better. I've been doing long notes, but I just feel stupid doing them! Am I supposed to adjust lip pressure or something to hear a difference?

And coz Nat is laughing at me on MSN, "blowing down our clarinets for 30 seconds is her phrase!"

No seriously, there must be some other exercises?

I think breathing and diaphram support have a big influence on tone. Lip pressure is obviously important but poor tone often comes from bad posture, tensing, or poor breath control. I did an email for Nat on this recently so if you read this Nat my advice should be in that.

Isobel dear I wouldn't laugh at you!

Finally found the email so here I quote neil.clarinet

"As far as technique goes tone is in diaphram support
and the embouchoure, particularly the lower lip. This
can only be improved with practise, and it is knowing
how much to get it right. It's like beibg in the gym
and doing enough, but not to the point where you faint
or pull a muscle. During term I practised 2 hours a
day or more. I now do much less and "surprisingly",
my tone has suffered.

You MUST feel air is coming from the diaphram not from
the chest or throat, nor should either those be tense
in any way. I still get that wrong and my tone
suffers."

Right so diaphragm, don't bite and practice lots?

ok. I better find a chair to practice clarinet aswell!

Isobel- I've told you, MSN, forums, chat and drink all add to the enjoyment of clarinet practice!!!

so is it the same principle with all wind instruments?

Ok I'm not sure if that was a reply to nats comment or not but I'll answer anyway and you can all laugh at me if it was. But yeah the principle is the basically the same on the flute (although obviously you dont bite) and I know long notes are really tedious but they do help wonders. Trust me having spend so much time this year improving my tone and long notes really are the best way to do it. Plus it helps with breath control too!

No I was just ignoring Nat!

I hadn't thought about develping breath control, thanks!

For the longtones to be helpful though you do need to listen, just playing lots of long notes whilst thinking of what's going to happen in the new Harry Potter book won't be as beneficial as if you really learn to listen to yourself and work out what you are doing when your tone is at its best. Though be warned sometimes when you really start to listen hard, you then hear all the nasty stuff that you were ignoring before and so it can sound like your tone has got a bit worse.

Slow melodies are also useful on the flute, presume the same would apply for clarinet...

Isobel- how dare you ignore me!!

Oh I give up with this stupid tone lark....it'll never get any better

Ach you know we still love you Nat! And tone will get better if you practise and yeah sarah-flute I meant to say it helps if you listen!