practice fail

[emeraldloves]

I play the clarinet.  For some reason,  whenever I try practicing on a morning in during the weekend, especially if I start with long tones, I always get a headache and start seeing stars.   It's really bothering me because I normally only have weekday evenings and weekend mornings to practice and I need to use the time efficiently.

Any

Comments

[viridian]

This was happening to me when I picked up the clarinet late in the evening after a few years of not playing it. I think in my case I had to relearn how to breathe. You're probably hyperventillating a little in trying to get enough air.

[krystalily]

On the flip side, this also used to happen to me if I got too much air in and didn't expel enough when I'd need to take a breath. (hoping that made sense...)

[viridian]

That's exactly what I meant, actually! If you *try* to take in more air than you need, you're going to end up with too much unless you can time letting it out correctly.

[krystalily]

yup, as an oboe player it's totally necessary to learn how to handle this. :) Took me a while but I got it. Now it's second nature!

[krystalily]

I would think it could happen to any instrumentalist if they aren't following through a proper breathing technique for their instrument. :)

[emeraldloves]

I used to play oboe. And yea holy crap I get even worse migraines playing oboe. It's the pressure.

[emeraldloves]

Oh, that happens when I'm performing and am too nervous to expel air.