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30 Things Every Clarinetist Should Do Before 30
By now, faithful readers should know about my love for lists, so I’ve created the clarinetist’s version of 30 before 30. If you’re looking to create a clarinet-inspired bucket list, here are my suggestions for 30 things every clarinetist should do before 30 (in no particular order): Perform a solo recital Teach someone else how to play the clarinet Attend a clarinet event, conference, or festival Have a group of BCF (best clarinet friends) Cultivate a signature skill (such as great rhythm, fast articulation, crazy technique, etc) Choose “your” piece, which you can perform on a moment’s notice Perform in a masterclass Perform in a band or orchestra (or both!)…
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7 Ways to Continue Improving Musically During Summer Vacation
Hurrah! You’re nearly done with another year of school, and the freedom of summer is so tantalizingly close! Summer vacation is a time for rest, relaxation, and recharging – but not relearning everything you worked so hard to achieve during the school year! The freedom summer presents is a double-edged sword – it’s great for impromptu decisions, but the lack of a structured schedule can derail event the most valiant motivational efforts. Here are a few ways you can keep your chops up (in proper band director lexicon) and stay musically motivated during the summer: Practice. Sounds obvious, but I’m always surprised to hear how many students want to improve…
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Graduation Gift Ideas for the Clarinetist in Your Life
Congratulations! A special clarinetist in your life is graduating high school, college, or beyond, and you would like to celebrate all their accomplishments and hard work! Here are some graduation presents any clarinetist would be happy to receive: Clarinet care package. Get creative and put together a care package. You can include anything you think they’ll like, such as a cute practice journal, comfy practice socks, travel toothbrush (oral hygiene is important for clarinetists!), lip balm, small toiletry/makeup bag to corral accessories, water bottle, and whatever else you find. A quality music stand. Confession time: I used a portable metal music stand for way too long, and one of the…
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Historic High Notes in Clarinet Repertoire
I’ve always loved hitting the high notes on the clarinet, and I consider it one of my musical strengths. I credit this to the friendly competition I had in high school with my best friends to see who could play higher (thanks Patrick and Robby!) and come up with the most fingerings for each note. (This could also be the reason I gravitate towards the E-flat clarinet instead of the bass, but that’s a subject for another day!) I’m currently preparing the Josef Rheinberger Sonata Op. 105a for a recital, and it has some uncharacteristically high notes for the Romantic period. It got me wondering – what are some of…
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7 Things They Don’t Teach You at Music School
Most music programs are rife with a variety of classes, ensembles, and other opportunities for aspiring musicians. You can learn the inner workings of music theory, the beginnings of early music, and any number of other diverse subjects. However, there are just some things that aren’t (normally) taught in most music programs. Most young musicians are met with a harsh reality upon graduation and have to learn many lessons the hard way without the safety and comfort of an institution. Here are 7 things I learned outside of music school, and I hope they help all aspiring musicians and artists! Proper recital preparation. In most undergraduate music programs, you’ll perform…
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Music for Clarinet and Theremin or Ondes Martenot
I’ve always been fascinated by unusual instruments (as witnessed by my obsession time spent playing the rare A-flat clarinet). A few months ago, I went down a rabbit hole and began researching the theremin and its not-so-distant relative, the ondes Martenot (sometimes called ondes musicales). These two early electronic instruments emit an eerie sound and immediately sparked my interest. My logical next question: “Are there any pieces for clarinet and theremin/ondes Martenot?” As a matter of fact, yes. But not many! Here’s a list I’ve compiled of every original piece I could find written for both clarinet and theremin or ondes Martenot. (Lists arranged alphabetically by composer’s last name. I’ve…
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My First Solo: A Complete Guide to Choosing & Practicing Clarinet Repertoire
The clarinet is #blessed with a wide variety of repertoire written in all styles and for all skill levels, with a scope from beginner to extremely advanced. This can be overwhelming when you’re making the leap from method and etude books to your first full-blown solo, concerto, sonata, or other serious repertoire.* Here’s everything you need to know to select, prepare, and perform your first clarinet solo: *Note: I am referring to solos of the clarinet repertoire – not one-page solos found in method books or simple arrangements of pieces for other instruments. When should I play my first solo? There is no correct age or years of experience, but…
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My Winter Warm-Up Routine For Cold Days
Move over Black Friday, it’s time for Blue Monday! According to some studies, Blue Monday is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. Even though we made it past Blue Monday 2019 (which fell on January 21), spring still seems so far away amidst this bleak winter. To combat the interminable winter and protect your clarinet from harsh winter environments, here is my winter warm-up routine (both literally and musically) I use to beat the winter blahs: Start early. No, I don’t necessarily mean you should practice early (although I secretly believe morning people rule the world). Arrive to rehearsal in advance so your clarinet has time to…
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How to Overcome FOMO for Musicians
With the pervasiveness of social media, FOMO (or fear of missing out) is becoming a more common issue. Whether you’re seeing evidence of your friend’s trip to Bali or lusting over somebody’s new designer purchase, it’s easy to feel like the world is passing you by. FOMO is an ugly combination of jealousy, insecurity, and ennui with your own life in comparison to others. Everybody has experienced FOMO at some point during their lives, but it’s especially prevalent among the hyper-competitive world of music. Job scarcity, cut-throat auditions, and a plethora of other factors can make FOMO feel more personal to musicians. When you see your friends and colleagues traveling…
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2019 Horoscopes for Musicians
Happy New Year! Find your zodiac sign below to see what musical adventures 2019 has in store for you! (Disclaimer: These horoscopes were created to be humorous, encouraging, but not to be taken too seriously. After all, my background is in clarinet – not astrology.) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) – After overcoming recent obstacles, you’re ready to try new things. Start learning some new repertoire or branch out into different styles! Career: Make sure you have an updated CV to avoid any last-minute scrambling during application season. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) – This is your year for networking! Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and colleagues to make…