Re: [Harp-L] Dry mouth on fast tunes - remedies?




On Apr 5, 2005, at 5:16 PM, Winslow Yerxa wrote:


When playing fast fiddle tunes I get dry mouth, and I'm wondering if
anyone has proposed solutions.

These kinds of  tunes tend to be wall-to-wall 8th notes that go about
400 notes per minute.

There is no time to take a drink of water or any other beverage. There
isn't even time to lick my lips.

I'm wondering if anyone knows a way to salivate at will, for instance,
perhaps through auto-suggestion.

Or perhaps there are subtle ways to do something with the mouth,
tongue, or instrument, that make wind drying less likely.

I hesitate to get in on this, but I noticed that you are thin. Thin people tend to have less moisture in their system. I should know, so am I. I also noticed that you are older, same deal here. Older people tend to be overweight and actually have excess water. You aren't and don't.
I would get plenty of liquids during the day before playing. Also, avoid spicy, salty, creamy food. They dry out your mucous membranes, OR coat them with a sticky film. The film, (at first not that noticeable) will turn saliva into elmer's glue faster.

I'm sure the situation of being out front as a soloist and experiencing a surge of fight-or-flight adrenaline doesn't help,

Now THIS is the one that has me rolling on the floor holding my spleen. Winslow (the Wizard), you are SOOO freaking experienced and such a 'Vet' that I can't for the life of me even imagine you getting anything BUT a case of the 'cools' (never apprehension). For God's sake man, you have JUDGED more players than there are leaves on the trees. I wouldn't think butter would melt in your mouth. (still...ha...ha....ha....oh, I can't take it...laughing).


 and maybe some kind
of meditation to deal with that might also help.

I use a couple shots of Vodka, but a nerve pill might help. Definitely don't take a 'muscle relaxant'.

All suggestions welcome, with noted exceptions.

Ha, ha, I'm sure mine WILL be the exceptions...............smokey-joe

Thanks.


Winslow


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