TromboneChat

Hey all,

About a month ago, I started to encounter lots of tension in my throat while playing. More specifically, the tightness is just under my Adam’s Apple, where it feels like something is stuck in my throat. This has progressively gotten worse, to the point where I need to stop playing because it feels so tight. This is especially true when I playing in the upper registers - my throat begins to feel closed off and choking up. I’ve tried a ton of exercises (breathing tubes, relaxation breaths, etc) much to no prevail.

Has anyone experienced this, or have an idea what might be causing this? I’m very curious about why it suddenly occurred, as I haven’t made any breaks, equipment changes, or other factors. Thanks.

Certain allergies can cause throat restrictions. If not playing related, maybe you should consult with an ear, nose, throat specialist.

That problem is because you're NOT doing something else you should be doing. You're trying to fix it in exactly the opposite way you should. Trying to open up more when things are already too open, and your body responds by closing off in an attempt to provide some resistance.
Learn to use your tongue position /mouth cavity to help support the pitch. You're working much too hard because you're not doing that. It's a lot like whisling, and I bet you can't whistle because you never figured out that relationship either.

Shawn Bell:

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