Reed Selection During Practice

[Nick]

I divide my practice sessions into two major categories. The first is where I’ll follow the Daily Practice routine [mouthpiece play, long tones, chromatics, scales…etc.]. The second portion is where I’ll play/learn tunes. During the first half, I’ll play a 1/2 step harder reed then I normally would, while during the second half [playing tunes], I’ll play my normal “gig” strength reeds – dropping a 1/2 step. My thinking is that similar to athletes using weight training to condition themselves for a specific sport; that is, using heavier resistance than they’ll ever face on the field or court, I use a harder reed during a portion of my practice, in hopes of strengthening the applicable areas, like embouchure, diaphragm, etc. The one potential downside of playing a harder reed during practice I think would be that you’re not playing as you would during a gig, and maybe you would embouchure differently; thus the reason why I “split-train”. If any more experienced players see any other downside in this, please post.

Thanks all!

[Anonymous]

As far as i’m concerned i play the same reed strength that sounds the best to me.

I get your point, you are trying to build up stamina/endurance for a gig.
What you are doing with reeds, you could do the same thing play with a harder size mouthpiece and then revert to your normal mouthpiece.

Instead of doing that – what i would do is work out the average time you spend playing a gig – say you gig for 1 hr only.
Then i would build up my endurance by practicing for 2 hrs solid, then when you hit the gig scene 1hr should be less tireing than 2hrs practice

only my 2 cents worth

[Nick]

Thanks sxpoet!

[Author]

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