• My Current Warm Up Routine

    One of the most often-asked questions for musicians is “How do you warm up?” (followed closely by “What’s your setup?” – but that’s an article for another day). A lot of people have recently been asking about my warm up, so I thought I’d share my current routine. I think warmups and breakfast have a lot in common. The old adage of the most important meal of the day rings true for warmups, which I consider the most important part of your practice routine. Also, there are varying degrees of warmups, from short and efficient (the breakfast equivalent of grabbing a granola bar as you run out the door), average…

  • Items to Have in Your Emergency Clarinet Kit

      In addition to the daily necessities, I also carry an “emergency” clarinet kit in my bag. Not only is this a great excuse to shop for cute makeup/toiletry bags and small clutches (which work very well to corral clarinet accessories!), this is also practical for long practice sessions, back-to-back performances, or worst case scenarios (broken mouthpieces, ligatures with stripped screws, etc.). Here are some items I have in my clarinet emergency kit: Clarinet accessories & repair Jeweler’s screwdriver set Backup mouthpiece and ligature (make sure to store in protective cushions or cases) EZO, floral tape, or other cushion for your teeth and lips Cigarette paper Q-tips, paintbrushes, makeup brushes,…