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The article discusses the risks of tinnitus, its treatment, and its impact on clarinetists and other musicians. It states that tinnitus is associated with the ringing sound in the inner ear which can lead to hearing loss when not address immediately. It mentions that the disorder is triggered by excessive exposure to noise and it can be prevented through avoiding too much noise in the surroundings. It notes that a hearing aid is advised if the problem is already severe.

Several letters to the editor are presented including one in response to "The Clarinet is BIGGER Than Ever in New Orleans," by Thomas Jacobson in the February-March 1997 issue, one on the Le Domaine Forget Music and Dance Academy in St. Irenee, Quebec, and one on an allergy to clarinet reeds.

The article offers information on the importance of thoracoabdominal diaphragm in playing clarinets. It mentions that one's diaphragm plays a vital role in breathing and in playing clarinets. It presents the vial role of abdominal muscles in inhalation. Moreover, exercises to increase inhalation and inflow of air are also mentioned.

The article offers suggestions on how clarinetists can overcome performance anxiety. Cognitive, behavioral and physiologic symptoms are enumerated. The idea that having confidence in performing starts by playing an instrument that suit one's physical make-up is emphasized. Other tips include trying out as many auditions, choosing a piece that uses only 80% of the skill and practicing until one plays from the left to the right brain. Conditions that need psychiatric therapies are also explored.

A biography of clarinet teacher Niccoló Paganini is presented. He was born on October 27, 1782 in Italy and gave his first concert at age nine. Dubbed as "The King of Violinists as well as "Demon of Fiddlers" and "Virtuoso in Execelsis, Paganini designed a technique of his own which made him able to perform unprecedented musical feats.

The article presents the statement of Dr. Robert E. Markison of San Francisco, California about the diseases of the hands among musicians. According to him, nearly 30% of musicians will develop repetitive motion disorders of the upper limb as a result of their music making. He discusses treatments of the diseases and suggests that a physician must develop a sense of the patient's musical goals and evaluate the attributes that affect prognosis.

The article focuses on hearing loss problem among clarinetists caused by the loud sounds of others as encountered. It offers information on the pressure produced by sound waves that are measured in units known as decibels with 0 decibels representing barely audible sound and 100 decibels producing pain in the ear. It also mentions the function of different parts of the human ear and possible injuries to the ear. It also presents a table of decibel levels and the corresponding time it could cause damage to the ear.

The author describes a device that can be used to avoid wrist and thumb pain caused by uninterrupted clarinet playing. It includes a ring, which was placed on the metal band of the bell of the clarinet and soldered to the thumb rest. The device also allows the clarinet to balance nicely when left hanging from the strap. One of the advantages of the device is minimal cost.

The article examines the effects of listening to music, particularly to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, on the mental capabilities of children. It highlights the study conducted by Gordon L. Shaw and Frances Rauscher which reveals that preschool children were able to enhance reasoning upon listening to Mozart's "Sonata in D Major." Moreover, several scientific studies have also discovered that calming music had a beneficial effect on the brain and in improving children's math skills.

The article discusses the differences of bodily functions by various clarinet players. It offers examples on the experiences of clarinetists wherein their sensations are unique among one another. It highlights the importance of studying the works of other masters to be aware of several clarinet teaching techniques. Furthermore, the relevance of using an inside smile approach in establishing good embouchure is also mentioned.

The article focuses on the important role of the lips when playing the clarinet. The lips are reportedly prone to injuries when one plays a clarinet, however it can be prevented with an understanding of its anatomy and physiologic considerations. It notes that the lips' vermilion portion tolerates pressure well but the inner membrane does not. It also presents an illustration of the lips and a step-by-step instruction to position the lips for the clarinet.

The article focuses on the benefits of implementing a good physical fitness program in relation to clarinet playing. It mentions the need of the clarinetist to become robust and physically fit in order to obtain optimum musical skills. It also notes that a good exercise program could improve psychological health, enhance cardiac function and produce weight control which are necessary to perform a remarkable musical activity.

The article discusses the major role played by the tongue in the production of sound on the clarinet. It states that the muscular aspect of the tongue is the most important to the clarinetist. It adds that the tongue plays a part in the formation of the embouchure and controls the egress of air into the mouthpiece. It mentions that styloglossus and genioglossus are another important muscle of suspension.

The article discusses the different factors that may contribute to drug addiction. It explores some positive activities that could lead to addictive behavior which include playing the clarinet and athletic training and conditioning, and argues that only few people who use addictive drugs for prolonged period of time become addicted. It also suggests that psychological problems associated with drug addiction should be addressed to achieve abstinence from addictive substances.

The article discusses how playing woodwind instruments such as clarinets can help treat asthma. It depicts the similarities between the method used in enhancing the role of the abdominal muscles in breathing for asthmatics and the technique used to train the brass and woodwind instrumentalist. It highlights the article "Musical Wind Instruments in Rehabilitation of Asthmatic Children," by Meyer B. Marks which stresses the use of wind instruments in the treatment of the allergy.

The author discusses the anatomical features in achieving the proper embouchure in playing the clarinet. The author denotes Kirsten Flagstad's suggestion concerning the applicability of the "inside smile" to clarinetists than to singers and cites the role of facial muscles to attain the exact position of mouth while playing the instrument. The author also denotes the relevance of relaxing the tongue. The author suggests not to bite the reed of the instrument.

The article discusses the influence of music and arts on the higher scores of students taking the SAT test in the U.S. According to Bill Virchis, the founding director of the Sweetwater Union High School District's department of visual arts, students involved in drama, art and dance have a higher grade point average than those who do not. Band director Fred Lee claims that his students are using high level thinking and decoding to manage their time through their participation in music.

The article discusses the instances of sore right wrists suffered by clarinetists. It mentions a survey which shows that 37.2.% of 324 clarinetists reported problems with the right wrists, 29% suffer pain in their hands and 23% in the forearm. The author also shares his experience of suffering from pain in the wrist and hand and sought advice to the orthopedist, physiotherapist and instrument repairman.