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The Beginner’s Complete Guide to the Clarinet
Congratulations for beginning your clarinet journey! ♫ The clarinet is by far the best instrument out there (or at least it is according to me and this small corner of the internet), and I have several resources to help you get started. I’ve written several articles which will help guide you along as you navigate the process of learning clarinet, and I’ve organized these into a sequential step-by-step outline below. 1. First things first – do you own a clarinet? If yes, proceed to the next step. If not, here are some articles which will help you determine the best choice for you: 2. Now that you have a clarinet,…
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Quick Fix Friday: Check Your Pivot Points
Happy Friday! What if I told you that I had a simple solution to pesky technical problems? Good news – I do! Let’s talk about pivot points. Pivot points are when the musical contour changes directions, or “pivots” (hence the name). For example, a technical passage can move upwards before descending or vice versa. I’ve found that a large number of technical issues happen around these pivot points. What usually happens is that your fingers (and maybe your mind) gets used to going in one direction and can’t pivot as quickly as the music calls for. (Think of it like running down a hill and not being able to regain…
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AI Generated Clarinet Pedagogy
If you’ve been reading the news lately, you probably know that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming much more prevalent. As I learn more about AI, I was curious to see what it had to say about clarinet pedagogy, so I fed it a few prompts to see what responses it has. Disclaimer: The responses below were generated by AI and should not be considered accurate clarinet pedagogy. Always consult trusted and qualified sources for your clarinet information. No matter how sophisticated technology becomes, there is nothing that can ever replace the specialty skills musicians spend their entire lives developing. AI Generated Clarinet Pedagogy Prompt: How do you assemble a clarinet?…
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13 New Year’s Resolutions Ideas for Clarinetists
Happy New Year! I’d like to take a moment to send you wonderful wishes for a happy, healthy, and musical year! If you’re thinking about making any clarinet-related New Year’s Resolutions, here are 13 ideas to get you started: What are your clarinet New Year’s Resolutions this year? Leave a comment to share yours!
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Clarinetists’ New Year Refresh
New Year, new you! (at least that’s what every post this time of year seems to say!) I love a good refresh, and New Year’s Day is always a great time to revisit your goals and start exploring new ideas. Here are a few quick tips and updates you can make so you can set yourself up for success in 2023: P.S. You might also like my articles on New Year’s Resolutions Every Musician Should Make and 9 New Year’s Ideas for Musicians. Happy New Year, and happy practicing!
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The Complete Guide to Getting a Superior at Solo & Ensemble
One of my most popular blog posts ever is my Complete Guide to Making All State, so I thought it’s about time I make a similar guide to help students prepare for Solo & Ensemble. Solo & Ensemble is a great opportunity for young musicians to perform solos and small chamber ensembles in front of judges to receive ratings and valuable feedback on their performances. Here’s my advice to receive a Superior rating this year at Solo & Ensemble: Prepare Practice Perform Repeat Just like learning a new piece of music, performing is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. The more you practice performing, the better musician…
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The Composer’s Guide to the Clarinet
If you’re a composer wanting to write for the clarinet, you’ve come to the right place! I’ve been very fortunate to have collaborated with some wonderful composers throughout the years, and I wanted to create this post to help anyone who wants to write for the world’s best instrument. ;) I’ve put together this list to help anyone who wants to learn more about what the clarinet can (and can’t) do. Before we dive in, it’s important to mention that these are general guidelines. Each clarinetist has different skills, specialties, and abilities, so when in doubt, ask them! Please keep in mind that this list is specifically targeted towards soprano…
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Repertoire Recommendations Based on Standard Repertoire
You all know I love learning about new-to-me repertoire. I enjoy recommending pieces to students and colleagues, and I especially enjoy discovering lesser-known gems. If you’re looking for some new pieces to work on, check out these repertoire recommendations (#reprecs) based on standard clarinet repertoire. Each item includes a standard piece, paired with a lesser-known work I think you would enjoy. If you like… Then you should check out… Carl Stamitz Concerto No. 3 in B-Flat Major Franz Hoffmeister Concerto in B-Flat Carl Maria von Weber Concerti Julius Rietz Clarinet Concerto, Op. 29 Gioachino Rossini Introduction, Theme and Variations Louis Spohr Fantasy and Variations on a Theme of Danzi, Op. 81…
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Clarinet Repertoire Requiring Costumes
Did you know that some pieces of clarinet repertoire instruct the performer to wear specific clothing or costumes? These pieces can include costume, staging, lighting, and other theatrical elements, taking your typical clarinet performance and turning it into a real spectacle! Here are a few pieces of clarinet repertoire requiring costumes: Karlheinz Stockhausen – Harlekin for solo clarinetist/dancer – In performances of this work, clarinetists dance on stage, embodying the character of the Harlequin, a comedic figure. (Fun fact: several of Stockhausen’s compositions feature theatrical and contemporary techniques for clarinet. Since there are several clarinet features in his operas and larger ensemble works, some have been adapted for solo or…
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What do tuning and mind control have in common?
No, this isn’t the opening to some bad music theory joke (but it could be if you leave a good punchline in the comments!). Most musicians are probably familiar with “concert pitch,” A=440Hz. This is the tuning standard in many parts of the world (although some countries and ensembles do tune higher). But have you ever wondered how we settled on A=440 as the standard tuning pitch? I did, and my research led me to rumors of Illuminati involvement, mind control, and the vibration of the universe. Pretty deep stuff for something we bemoan at every rehearsal. Before we continue, I want to make it clear that I do not…