cleft palate and musical instruments

[Erica Stacy]

Hi, I am a college students with a cleft palate. I have not
had a problem with it until now,and did not even know what it was
until about 2 years ago. I have been playing the clarinet for
about 6 years now, and I have always had a problem with air
coming out of my nose and I believe it is the cleft palate that
is the problem. I was wondering if anyone else has had this
problem and what they have done about it? Playing music is a
really important part of my life, and I would appreciate any
information you could give me. Thank you

[Anonymous]

Hi Erica, Although I do not play a wind-instrument, I think
your theory is right. You may have a fistula or several that
allows air to escape. A possible correction for this may be as
simple as having a retainer made for your palate (that does not
show from the front or sides). I've heard of others who have a
retainer to "cover" the holes, instead of having bone
graft surgery.



Good Luck!



p.s. I have a cleft palate and a cleft lip. One of my biggest
regrets is that I never attempted to learn to play a
wind-instrument when I was a kid because I was too self-conscious
of how my mouth would look while playing. (live and learn!)

[Anonymous]

Hiya Erica. My name is Jeff and I also have a cleft lip and
cleft palate. I was born into a VERY musical family and was told
that I would not able to perform all of the musical talents that
the rest of my family participates in. Actually, my mother was
told this. I, of course, was very young when I proved all the
doctors wrong. God has blessed me with a wonderful musical
talent, despite the fact I have a cleft lip/palate and I use it
all the time for Him and His glory. I do have s bit a trouble
from time to time because there are just some things I can't do
simply because I have a hole in the roof of my mouth. No big
deal. I just do others things instead to compensate. I have had
numerous, numerous surgeries, but when I was old enough to make
my own decisions I decided not to have any more. They would have
only been cosmetic anyway, and frankly people who look at me
today don't know that I have one. But, the more work I have done
to my face, nose, oral cavity, and everything else MIGHT affect
my singing voice. I love to sing, and have become quite
professional at it. I don't want to lose the quality of my
singing voice for the sake of my face. Talk to your doctors about
all the avialable options for you, but talk to other people who
have a cleft palate/lip also. Their input may prove to be very
beneficial to you. God bless you!

[Thomas J (hackedin at hot]

Wow, I'd thought that there weren't any other clefted clarinetists out there. I've had the exact same problem that you mentioned, and I've found that there are several options that you can pursue. Firstly, just ignore it. If you're in a large ensemble, the slight hiss or gurgle of escaping air is usually drowned out by the rest of the band. Second option, just pick up a saxophone and join a jazz band. Jazz Bands are even louder than concert bands, so it's guaranteed to be drowned out. A third option would be to have your fistula sealed. It should work, but you might be unable to play for a few weeks while the tissue heals. I had this done, last year, but there was a little complication the night of a concert, (read Bass Clarinet) and I blew through the tissue that had been grafted over the fistula. Nonetheless, I was playing clarinet for a few hours the night before, and it felt great. No more escaping air. Still no circular breathing, but then again...that's just a gripe with my technique Thanks for enduring my rant.

[Jeff Altermamn]

I have a submucous cleft palate and though I don't play a wind instrument, but I'm a swimmer instead. Due to a small amount of velopharyngeal incompetence I sometimes hear hissing and squeaking sounds in my head occasionally while I swim. It is a weird sensation to hear it since it is almost reminiscent of the sounds produced by many of the older New York City subway cars. Sometimes the sounds will sound like creaks also.


I do play a musical instrument. It is the piano and it doesn't require your mouth to play it. Just your ten fingers to play the keys and both feet to operate the pedals.


Jeff Alterman at alterman@bestweb.net