Posted by Joe S. on November 17, 1999 at 22:44:31:
In Reply to: why does it hurt? posted by Bill on November 16, 1999 at 22:25:40:
I mostly play tuba (teach at a university), but do a very strong baritone 'double'. I'm doing one in January for the Broadway show, "Ragtime" (tuba AND baritone), and have been hired to play the baritone on "Heldenleben", "Quixote", et al in the past.
To me, playing the baritone is about the closest thing there is, musical instrument-wise, to sitting in an easy chair and sipping on a Bud. Not to say that playing it very well doesn't require skill and practice, but it is a very NATURAL instrument to play, physically. It sounds to me like you might be hurting yourself when you play the baritone. I would suggest paying attention to how much pressure is involved when you mash the baritone mouthpiece up against your face when you play it. Have someone help you with this. You don't need to be bruising yourself when you play an instrument. The best to you.