I started on the flute 3 months ago. I'm also singing with a choir for the past year. I have developed a lot of breath. Now I have started on Clarinet. Problem! I have too much air. I can play a couple of lines and I have to let air out or I'll burst. Teacher says take a smaller breath. But even a small breath is too much. Anyone have this problem. Too much air??? I recently changed mouthpiece to Rico B3, and No1 reeds, helps a little as they're easier to play than the old no name mouthpiece. But I still have too much air...Help.

I would actually recommend going to a higher reed, as this will force you to use the air and the force you have built up. try a vandoren 3, or even a 4, as these will handle more air better, and make you use them. i find i cant play on softer reeds anymore as my air just forces a squeek.
I hope this helps you, good luck,

~kato~

probably you should make a smaller jump than a rico 1 to a vandoren 4, though. thats crazy. but a stiffer reed is a good suggestion.

and if nothing else, better too much air than not enough.

Hi. Many thanks for your suggestions. I tried a Vandoran 3 1/2, but too hard for me yet. Got a Rico 2 1/2. I can handle that. My teacher wants me to use Rico reeds!? She doesn't like the sound of Vandoran.! I find Rico a little thinny. Or maybe I should say Jazzy. But I'll keep experimenting. Thanks again.

I don't know anyone who prefers Rico reeds to Vandoren. The only advantage is that they're cheaper (but this is reflected in the quality).

I wouldn't say this to your teacher, but she's also the one who encouraged you just to take a smaller breath (you can never take in too much air).

Anyway, it's not ultimately about what she likes, it's about what you like. Set-up is a very personal matter, and I strongly believe no teacher should dictate set-up exactly to students, especially if they're not themselves a specialist on the instrument.