• Musical Adventures: Day Trip to Galánta

    Living in Europe the last few years has given me the incredible opportunity to travel to some pretty amazing places. Having visited 30 countries (and counting!), I’ve been able to explore bustling metropolises, rural villages, quiet cemeteries, dusty archives, and other portals to the past. I have always loved history. Not only did I read my Norton music history textbook for fun, but I also contacted the publishers to report a few errors (they listed Bernstein’s birth year as 1916!). I think it is important to understand our musical past so we can continue to grow as musicians, and I welcome any opportunity to experience history firsthand. During my travels,…

  • Books Every Clarinetist Should Have on Their Bookshelf – Part 2

    There’s something about these cold, dreary days that makes curling up with a good book extra appealing. I’ve always been an avid bookworm, and I especially love reading books about clarinet or music in general. There’s only so much you can learn in a practice room, and these books are great supplements to your music education. Longtime readers will remember one of my first articles, Books Every Clarinetist Should Have on Their Bookshelf (Or Kindle). This list has only grown over the years, hence the need for part 2! As before, this is not a comprehensive list. Some of these books are currently out of print, but many used copies can…

  • Upgrading From Plastic to Wood Clarinets: A Guide for Band Parents

    Clarinet parents have to put up with a lot – unrelenting squeaks, endless requests for more reeds, and seemingly never-ending equipment upgrades. The biggest and most daunting upgrade is when and how you should switch from a plastic to a wood clarinet. Unless you have previously gone through this process, upgrading from a plastic to wood clarinet can be stressful and confusing. You want the best for your child, but it’s tricky when there are so many brands, models, price ranges, retailers, and other factors to consider. Let’s start with the basics. Plastic clarinets vs. wood clarinets Plastic clarinets are great for beginners. Plastic is a resilient and durable material,…

  • How to Winter-Proof Your Clarinet

    Blustery cold, wind-tangled hair, dry hands, chapped lips…winter isn’t for the faint of heart! If you’re dreaming of warmer days, you’re not alone – your clarinet is also eagerly awaiting the sun and humidity of summer. Harsh winter conditions can wreak havoc on your clarinet. From the bomb cyclone to other arctic conditions, winter weather is unforgiving to clarinets, causing tuning issues, unpredictable reeds, and cracks. Here are a few preventative steps to protect your wooden clarinet this winter: Avoid drastic temperature changes. Cold winter air outside + overactive heating inside = a recipe for disaster. Try to keep your clarinet as stable as possible, in regards to temperature. Warm…

  • Couch to Cavallini Practice Plan

    Has it been a while since you’ve played clarinet? Perhaps you decided to take an extended break. Or your job/family/kids took precedence over your clarinet. Maybe you haven’t played clarinet since the last century – no judgement here! Whatever the reason, life got in the way of you and your clarinet, which is currently collecting dust in a closet somewhere. If you’re reading this post, you’ve probably already taken the first step, which is deciding that you want to play again – congratulations! Before we get to the Couch to Cavallini practice plan, here are a few things to keep in mind: This practice plan is for anyone who used…