Just wondering...

[Daystar85]

I'm in high school and this other girl in my section had brought something that was interesting and concerning. She said that whenever she plays her sax for a little while that she gets these really bad headaches. I was wondering if anybody has similar experiences.

[kcp]

IF your friend has an underdevelopped embouchure, she might be compensating some other way, like biting too strongly on the mpc bite-plate. In the long run this can cause head ache. As well, IF her mpc/reed set up is not right for her or her saxophone has serious leak problems, again she might be compensating/overblowing/overbiting or whatever way that may cause headache.

IF it's none of the above, then she should see a doctor.

[Troy]

Blowing too hard can also cause headaches. I've never had it happen with the sax, but I also twist balloons and have given myself a couple headaches while trying to inflate those nasty little pencil balloons. :)

[Frank D]

I've had other people get headaches after I've played sax for awhile. :lol: Sorry, hope your friend figures out a solution to her problem.

[saxplayer07]

When I'm marching with my tenor and I hold a long loud note my head hurts after for a second then it's fine.

[jazzbluescat]

Sounds like a head amputation is in order. :twisted:

[bariman]

This is simply because the lack of constant, regular breathing in the respiratory system of the player, and can result when playing a long note often, or having a fast run in a song. This lack of air means less potency of the red blood sells in the blood, causing aching in the mucles surrounding the brain because of lack of oxygen. Respiratory problems in the player might contribute to the problem.

[Gange]

It could be a result of the vibrations of the mouthpiece propagating through the teeth up in the forehead.
Been there... Cured with a mouthpiece patch. :-)