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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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Is your clarinet thumb rest in the optimal position?
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your hands or wrists while playing clarinet, your thumb rest might not be in the optimal position! Even though the clarinet is not very heavy (about 1.5-2 pounds, or about 680-900 grams), it all starts to add up after you multiply the hours, days, weeks, months, and years spent holding and playing it. This is why it’s so important to develop and utilize proper posture and ergonomics, including customizing equipment to make playing easier and more comfortable for you. (Before we dive in, I want to remind you that I’m a classically trained clarinetist – not a doctor. Please consult a trusted…
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Historical Clarinetist Superlatives: Most Likely To…
Congratulations to all the graduating clarinetists this school year! My North American readers are probably familiar with school superlatives, so In honor of graduation, I thought it would be fun to nominate historical clarinetists for school superlatives (my North American readers will probably be familiar with these!) Most likely to succeed Caroline Schleicher-Krähmer, the first woman clarinet soloist in history. Her illustrious career is all the more remarkable given the societal barriers she surely had to overcome. Most team spirit Richard Mühlfeld. If he could inspire Brahms to come out of compositional retirement and create some of the clarinet’s greatest works, then I’m sure he was an incredible source of…
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My clarinet won’t come apart! What should I do?
Chances are, if you’re reading this you’re in a bit of a dilemma – your clarinet is stuck together and won’t come apart! This is actually more common than you think, and here’s what you should do: Now that you’ve gotten your clarinet apart, here are some tips to help prevent this from happening again: