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Step 1
Start by sitting up nice and straight, but not so straight that your muscles are tense and not relaxed. Being in a semirelaxed state will help you attain better sound quality.
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Step 2
Check that your shoulders are relaxed, and that they don't become hunched as you play your clarinet. Slouching as you play will diminish your ability to breathe deeply and engage your diaphragm, much like a hose doesn't spray water when you fold it in half.
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Step 3
Tuck your elbows closely to your waist. This position should be maintained comfortably and shouldn't cause strain to your back or shoulders.
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Step 4
Bring your clarinet to your mouth, and take note that your arms should rest comfortably at about a 45-degree angle from your body. Your right thumb should support much of the weight of the clarinet.
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Step 5
Sit so that you are perched on the front edge of your chair, and be sure that your feet are flat on the floor. Sitting on the edge of your chair will help you to remember to sit up straight, since you won't be able to lean on the back of the chair.
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Step 6
Focus on maintaining proper posture as you play. In the beginning, you'll probably find yourself slouching from time to time and have to correct your posture. But with practice, using proper posture when you play the clarinet will become second nature to you.
