Diaphragm development technique for clarinet education and examples of methods for beginners

Breathing is a muscle movement we carry out without noticing from birth to death. In order to perform comfortably in a proper tone, a clarinet artist needs to learn how the respiratory system works. An individual's involuntary breathing may be sufficient for daily life, however a clarinet artist needs to learn how to breathe more efficiently. Diaphragm training needs to be carried out with the collaboration of teachers and students. When students start on their clarinet education diaphragm development and breathing exercises need to be done with their teachers, it also should be followed by teaching students that they need to do these exercises daily. If one can make students gain this awareness then one builds the foundation of a good education. Proper breathing is the first step to be taken in clarinet education. Breathing education should be given to the students prior to instrument education and the importance of it should be taught. Diaphragm breathing is a breathing technique done by inhaling so that the diaphragm muscle flexes downwards, making room for the lungs to operate in full capacity. For wind instrument artists' health, it is quite important that they carry on using their diaphragms in their daily lives. Proper tone goes through correct breathing. Adequate knowledge of the diaphragm and correct posture means proper tone and good articulation. When the finger techniques are added to this, it will open the roads of the students in order to become good performers. While the importance of breathing and diaphragm are tremendous on clarinet most initial level methods seem to not include a chapter covering it. It is seen that the foreign based methods transition directly from finger positioning to reading music. However the diaphragm education that is given before the musical notes will greatly aid students in their progress. Key words: Breathing, Diaphragm, Diaphragm Breathing, Clarinet, Clarinet Method.