Understanding Clarinet Dynamics and Pitch

In summary: The embochure does not effect the speed of the air very much, but it does effect the speed at which the reed (or your lips, for a brass instrument) will vibrate. This gives you your change of pitch.Another interesting thing about such an instrument is that one can change the outcome by changing the shape of ones mouth.Since the area of the opening of the mouthpiece doesn't change, to "send more air through the horn," wouldn't you HAVE to increase the speed of the air?
  • #1
dingsbunnyranch
5
0
As a clarinet student, i have always been told two things:

1.) to change your loudness, change the amount of air you send through the horn, not the speed at which you send air through it. if you change the speed, you will change the pitch.

1.) you can change your pitch by tightening or loosening your embochure (the way your mouth grasps the mouthpiece)

after learning about sound in physics, I am a bit confused about wuts going on.

if you blow air faster through the horn, do you increase the speed of sound since the medium through which it is propogating is in motion as well?

since the area of the opening of the mouthpiece doesn't change, to "send more air through the horn," wouldn't you HAVE to increase the speed of the air?

how does the embochure effect the speed of the air?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Was a musician myself in high school, and was told the same things.

Yes, you have to send air through the intsrument faster to get more air through the same volume of spac in the same amount of time.

The embochure doesn't effect the speed of the air very much, but it does effect the speed at which the reed (or your lips, for a brass instrument) will vibrate. This gives you your change of pitch.
 
  • #3
Another interesting thing about such an instrument is that one can change the outcome by changing the shape of ones mouth.
 
  • #4
dingsbunnyranch said:
since the area of the opening of the mouthpiece doesn't change, to "send more air through the horn," wouldn't you HAVE to increase the speed of the air?
There's another bottleneck -- all of the air you blow has to go through the tiny hole between the tip of your reed and the mouthpiece, and that opening changes size quite a bit!


But it could just be psychology -- I did some testing here at my desk. When I thought "I want to blow lots of air", I breathed with my diaphragm, and my mouth/cheeks were fairly controlled. When I thought "I want to blow air fast", I breathed with my mouth, and my mouth/cheeks were fairly uncontrolled. (In fact, my cheeks puffed out)

I also tested on the recorder I have handy -- when I thought "I want to blow fast", I breathed differently than when I thought "I want to play loud"... and blowing fast was, in fact, sharp.

(I didn't want to put my clarinet together for testing)


Lurch said:
The embochure doesn't effect the speed of the air very much, but it does effect the speed at which the reed (or your lips, for a brass instrument) will vibrate. This gives you your change of pitch.
I'm not sure... but doesn't your mouth also act as part of the resonating cavity?
 
  • #5
dingsbunnyranch said:
1.) to change your loudness, change the amount of air you send through the horn, not the speed at which you send air through it. if you change the speed, you will change the pitch.
Loundess of a sound comes from how much air is being moved pretty much. dB measure "sound pressure."

how does the embochure effect the speed of the air?
I believe that would be affect.
 

1. How do clarinet dynamics affect pitch?

Clarinet dynamics refer to the loudness or softness of the sound produced by the instrument. When the dynamics are increased, the pitch of the sound also increases. This is because a greater amount of air is forced through the clarinet, causing the reed to vibrate faster and produce a higher frequency sound wave.

2. What factors contribute to the dynamics of a clarinet?

The main factors that contribute to the dynamics of a clarinet are the player's embouchure (mouth position and pressure on the reed), air support, and the force with which the keys are pressed. The size and type of mouthpiece and the quality of the reed can also affect the dynamics.

3. How can a clarinetist control the dynamics of their playing?

A clarinetist can control the dynamics of their playing by adjusting their embouchure, air support, and key pressure. By experimenting with different mouthpiece sizes and types of reeds, a player can also achieve a wider range of dynamics. It is important for a clarinetist to have a good understanding of proper breathing techniques and to practice regularly to develop control over their dynamics.

4. How do dynamics and pitch affect the overall sound and expression of a clarinet performance?

The dynamics and pitch of a clarinet greatly contribute to the overall sound and expression of a performance. By varying the dynamics, a player can add emotion and nuance to their playing. Changes in pitch can also add tension or resolution to a piece of music. A skilled clarinetist knows how to use dynamics and pitch to create a dynamic and engaging performance.

5. What are some tips for achieving consistent dynamics and pitch on the clarinet?

To achieve consistent dynamics and pitch on the clarinet, it is important to practice proper embouchure, breathing, and finger technique. It is also helpful to regularly check and maintain the instrument to ensure it is in good working condition. Listening to recordings of professional clarinetists and seeking guidance from a teacher can also help improve consistency in dynamics and pitch. Regular practice and attention to detail are key in achieving a consistent sound on the clarinet.

Similar threads

Subsonic airbreathing engines and inlet blade angle
    • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
7
Views
2K
B Help understanding the physics of airflow
    • Classical Physics
Replies
3
Views
952
Understanding MIT's applet on sound with Fourier coefficients
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
201
Sound Waves in Different Mediums
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Audio/Video Fluid Dynamics—Building a better MIDI Breath Controller
    • DIY Projects
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
Waves and Sound - Air Column (Clarinet)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
How does air pressure affect pitch?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
8K
Increasing Soundwave strength w/o affecting its characteristics?
    • Mechanics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Flow of air through an open tube with a balloon
    • Mechanics
Replies
9
Views
2K
Sound Wave Interference and Finding the Path Differences with Diagrams
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top