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The Structure and Movement of Clarinet Playing

Rolf, Sheri Lynn, M.D.
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4386-8470
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523454235538941

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Musical Arts, Ohio State University, Music.
Abstract The clarinet is a complex instrument that blends wood, metal, and air to create some of the world’s most beautiful sounds. Its most intricate component, however, is the human who is playing it. While the clarinet has 24 tone holes and 17 or 18 keys, the human body has 205 bones, around 700 muscles, and nearly 45 miles of nerves. A seemingly endless number of exercises and etudes are available to improve technique, but almost no one comments on how to best use the body in order to utilize these studies to maximum effect while preventing injury. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the interactions of the clarinet with the body of the person playing it. Emphasis will be placed upon the musculoskeletal system, recognizing that playing the clarinet is an activity that ultimately involves the entire body. Aspects of the skeletal system as they relate to playing the clarinet will be described, beginning with the axial skeleton. The extremities and their musculoskeletal relationships to the clarinet will then be discussed. The muscles responsible for the fine coordinated movements required for successful performance on the clarinet will be described. With this information in mind, methods of maximizing the use and coordination of the body while playing the instrument will be presented. It will be shown that efficient use of the body not only contributes to ease of playing the clarinet but also minimizes the risk of injury.
Caroline Hartig, DMA (Advisor)
Scott McCoy, DMA (Committee Member)
Katherine Jones, Professor (Committee Member)
David Hedgecoth, DMA (Committee Member)
181 p.
Health; Music; Music Education; Occupational Health
clarinet; clarinet playing; clarinet playing posture; clarinet anatomy

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rolf, M.D., S. L. (2018). The Structure and Movement of Clarinet Playing [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523454235538941

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rolf, M.D., Sheri. The Structure and Movement of Clarinet Playing. 2018. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523454235538941.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rolf, M.D., Sheri. "The Structure and Movement of Clarinet Playing." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1523454235538941

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1523454235538941
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.