I`m a clarinetist primarily but also play a lot of flute, bassoon and saxophone. I`m meant to be doing grade 5 bassoon and grade 8 clarinet in the next year and I play in a lot of bands and orchestras..

I`m planning on getting my tongue pierced after my school exams in July since I`ve always wanted it done and will have left school! After the initial healing, will having my tongue pierced affect my playing? And how will it affect it? I currently have my tongue web pierced (underneath) and that doesn`t effect my playing and (bad habit!!) I chew constantly and nearly ALWAYS play with chewing gum in my mouth but that doesn`t effect my playing either...

Does anyone else have their tongue pierced? My music is really important to me so if its gonna completely wreck my playing then I guess I won`t get it done...

Any input guys?

Erm... anyone?

Err...I don`t have my tongue peirced but I don`t think it would affect your playing. I`d say it`d be a but akward at first but that you`d get used to it. I mean, I know someone who has braces and plays the trumpet (that`s not the same but it is a bit like it). Anyways, in my opinion I`d doubt anything would happen but I guess you never really know. I`d suggest asking you band teacher (assuming you have one), he/she would proabably be able to give you a better answer.

i wouldn`t risk it.

Nah I don`t have a band teacher... we don`t have band in school like over in the US. Plus I just left school and I know my clarinet teacher would just say no because she`s very conservative.

I`ve wanted it for so long I don`t want to not get it done now I can.

WHAT ARE YOU INSANE!? HOW COULD YOUR PARENTS LET YOU POSSIBLY DO THAT?!

This is not a good idea. Certainly not inconjunction with being a player of reed instruments. You could easily wind up damaging the nerves in your tongue, for one thing. Plus you`ll have to have a ring or something in the piercing. I can`t see you being able to play right with that in, so you`ll have to take it out to play. Then you have a different feel to your tongue and that might throw you off....on and on, too much risk. Just don`t do it.

If you must do something like this do your nose, eyebrow, ot something else. Then you can look "hip, or mod" or whatever it is you`re trying to look without very possibly messing up your music.

do not do that it will hurt you alot I would not recommend it so please don`t do I think it effects your tounging but I don`t know though.

Here`s just some advice: DON`T get your tongue pierced! It`s disgusting! Gee, I know this girl who has braces and it affects her playing a little bit - IMAGINE how a tongue piercing would affect your playing!

I would strongly advise against tongue piercing for anyone who intends to pursue playing a wind instrument..period! Having a hole stuck through your tongue involves the risk of destroying some nerve endings. Then, too, there`s always the risk of infection, cause inside the mouth isn`t exactly the cleanest place on the human body. Ask any dentist and they`ll tell you so.

I`m all for piercings if that what you want to do. Its really important to feel your free to express yourself. The real question is how serious are you about playing instruments? There is a *real chance* you wont be able to play as well after getting a tongue piercing. No-one seems to know for sure. Mostly cause serious players just don`t do it. I play clarinet and theres no way I would chance it. I have piercings but none in my cheeks, lips or tongue. Thats just my opinion but I would be really upset if i couldn`t play as well, not worth the risk.

<i>Marisa, i`m not trying to prove you wrong or anything, but, jtlyk, i have braces, and (not to brag or anything like that)i am the best player in our group. (at least that is what my band teacher said)lmbo

u noe wad..i am also thinkin of having my tongue pierced and i also play the clarinet... well i think it does not affect you though cuz u usually use the tip of your tongue for tounging...so i think basically ur playing wont be affected

um...fluting wise...it might do something when you try to do flutter tongue and long double tonguing...um...i wouldn`t advise it, but it`s your music. so good luck

Would you have your fingers pierced if you played the piano or the guitar?