Playing quieter on high notes.

ChrissyR · Post by **ChrissyR** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 1:07 pm

I'm playing a piece in my youth symphony in which I'm required to duet at a certain point with the clarinet. However, the clarinet needs to be more prominent. In this duet, I have to play fairly high but much quieter. Could anyone give me any tips on how to play quieter high notes?

fluteguy18 · Post by **fluteguy18** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 1:49 pm

What I have found in the past when playing softly in the high register, you must play using less air, but with more speed/energy in the air itself.

To play softly, you must play with more intensity. Many people simply use less air, and slower air to play softly. This yields in a muddy, lazy sound. I find that in my playing, when I play piano in the upper register, I use less air, but I support more, and keep my air just as fast [if not faster] as when I am playing forte.

But, this is just how I play. Everyone plays differently. So, this may or may not work for you.

atoriphile · Post by **atoriphile** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 3:21 pm

You could also try pushing your bottom lip out a little bit. Be careful the pitch doesn't go sharp, though. This might make your tone sound slightly airy to you, but the audience will never know.

Be careful when playing softly up in the stratosphere that the tone does not sound pinched or muted. You want a pretty sound that happens to be soft.

The only real solution is to practice. A lot!

Good luck!