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Clarinet Recital Repertoire Generator
If you have an upcoming recital but don’t know what you want to play, I’m here to help! Simply find the appropriate response to each prompt to see what my Clarinet Recital Repertoire Generator chooses for you! (By the way, if you want to design your program from scratch, you might find this article helpful: How to create a great recital program and how it’s like hosting a dinner party) I’ve mixed standard repertoire with lesser-known gems, and I hope these pieces serve as inspiration as you select your recital program! First up, a fun piece that’s not too long (or too difficult, so your nerves don’t get the best…
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Review: KraftGeek Capsule Music Stand
KraftGeek recently reached out to me to try their Capsule Music Stand, and I’m excited to share my review of this product! Note: I received the KraftGeek products mentioned in this review for free, and there is an affiliate link below. This means if you decide to use the link, you’ll get a discount, and I’ll earn a small commission. I only partner with brands and products that I truly believe in and think are valuable for musicians and clarinetists, and this is my honest opinion of these products. Before I share my review of the KraftGeek Capsule Music Stand, here are some quick stats: Review I grew up in…
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The Android Clarinetist and the search for its missing clarinet
In the age of AI and rapidly increasing technologies, robots are becoming commonplace. But what if I told you that there is a 187-year-old robot clarinetist, and it’s missing its clarinet? Due to the mass manufacturing of clockwork devices at the beginning of the 19th century, inventors began creating toys and other automatons using these technologies. Although The Android Clarinettist was quite advanced for its time, there were other automaton musicians of other instruments such as flute, drums, and even organ. In 1838, Dutch inventor Cornelis Jacobus van Oeckelen (1798-1865) created an automaton clarinetist (named The Android Clarinettist) which performed, bowed, and even wet its reed in preparation for its…
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The cost of clarinet reeds during Mozart’s lifetime
What do you think the price of a clarinet reed was in the 18th century? You might be surprised to learn that the price of clarinet reeds has remain virtually the same since the 1700s! Longtime readers know I love learning about clarinet history, and I’ve recently been fascinated by clarinet reed history. While rereading Rendall’s The Clarinet, I came upon a passage that sparked my curiosity: “In the 18th century, if many players preferred to make their own, commercial reeds nevertheless were obtainable…Churchwardens’ accounts, too, show constant purchases of reeds for church bands at prices of three-pence and fourpence apiece for the clarinet and of one shilling for the…
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What standard clarinet repertoire should you practice based on your zodiac sign?
Not sure what clarinet work to practice next? Let the stars decide!Whether you’re a dreamy Pisces (me) or a fiery Leo, there’s a perfect clarinet piece that matches your zodiac sign’s personality. Read on to find out which piece the universe has in store for you! Just a friendly reminder: This zodiac-inspired repertoire guide is for fun only. Don’t feel confined—clarinet repertoire offers endless options beyond the stars! Find your zodiac sign:
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You got a new clarinet! Now what?
Just got a new clarinet? Congratulations! Whether this is your first time playing clarinet or you’ve recently upgraded your clarinet, here are some things to consider after you get a new clarinet: Wishing you and your new clarinet many years of memorable music-making together!
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What do clarinet reeds and jeans have in common?
Finding the best clarinet reed for your setup is a lot like searching for the perfect pair of jeans—frustrating at times, but incredibly rewarding when you find the one that fits just right. The similarities don’t stop there! If you’ve ever delved into the world of clarinet reeds, you know that we have a lot of options, which can all be compared to shopping for jeans: Cane or synthetic? Just as some people prefer the natural feel of denim while others go for stretch blends, you have the choice between cane or synthetic (or use both)! Which brand? It’s easy to have analysis paralysis with so many options of brands…
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Are you allergic to the clarinet?
Although this might sound like a weak excuse to get out of band class, it is possible to experience allergies to some of the clarinet’s components. Here’s how you can be allergic to the clarinet: (Just a reminder – I am a classically trained clarinetist and not a medical doctor. If you experience any concerning symptoms while playing clarinet, please consult a trained health care professional.) If you’ve recently started playing clarinet or changed a piece of equipment and notice redness, itchiness, rashes, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you might be allergic to something on your clarinet. The most likely culprits are nickel (on the keys or ligature)…
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Clarinet Equipment Advice for Marching Band
Another school year is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing… Marching band! Whether this is your first time in marching band or you’re a seasoned marching band pro, here is my clarinet equipment advice for anyone in marching band (or band directors working with marching bands): Good luck, and I hope you have a great marching season!
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FAQ: Playing clarinet in the Arctic
I spent three months this year playing clarinet in the Arctic, and I’m here to answer some of the most common questions I received during and after these residencies! In case you missed it, here is a detailed account of my Mission: Evolution project, as well as behind-the-scenes details from my residencies. Leave a comment with any questions you have – maybe there will be a part 2! What were you doing in the Arctic? I was selected to complete artist residencies in Ilulissat, Greenland and Longyearbyen, Svalbard, some of the northernmost towns on Earth. I was in the Arctic from March-May 2025 completing my projects. Why did you choose…