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21 Clarinet Compositions from the 21st Century
The clarinet has quite an extensive list of amazing repertoire spanning across a multitude of styles and genres. We have our beloved masterpieces by Mozart, Weber, Brahms, and many more, but what about some more recent repertoire? Over the last few years, I’ve become more and more interested in modern clarinet compositions. Here are a few of my favourites from…
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How to assemble a clarinet
The clarinet certainly does have its fair share of pieces, equipment, and accessories. Here’s everything you need to know to properly assemble your clarinet: Parts of a clarinet from top to bottom Mouthpiece (with ligature and reed) Barrel Upper joint Lower joint Bell Steps to assembling a clarinet Lay the case on a stable, flat surface and ensure that the…
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What does voicing mean to clarinetists?
“Voicing” is one of those words that clarinetists seem to enjoy using, and we often blame this as a culprit for poor response, intonation, or tone on the instrument. This is an important concept for clarinetists to understand, but it can be difficult since there can be some ambiguity surrounding this term. Part of the difficulty in defining this is…
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The Contemporary Clarinetist: A Resource List to Develop and Improve Extended Techniques
Even though the clarinet has only been in existence for just over 300 years, it has certainly come a long way in this time. It has captured audience’s imaginations through its cantabile vocal qualities and virtuosic capabilities, and more recently, its slowly increasing lyrical and technical possibilities. During the last century, performers and composers have expanded the sound spectrums the…
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Join my book club!
During a recent episode of my weekly Clarinet Chats Instagram live, I was discussing a shared love of books with my friend Chase Miller when we decided to create a book club. This book club is open to anyone who wants to participate, and we would like to invite you to join! Our first book is Doug Borwick’s Building Communities, Not Audiences: The Future…
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Positive affirmations for clarinetists
I’ve had this blog idea for a while, and while I originally meant it to be light-hearted and humourous, there is a great deal of truth in these affirmations. So, I hope these short affirmations help you continue along your clarinet journey. ||: Repeat as often as necessary : || I am more than my reed. Squeaks do not define…
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7 Ways to Step Up Your Practice Game
I know that practicing consistently these last few months is no small feat. Whether you’ve maintained your motivation or you’re just now getting back in the swing of things, here are a few ways you can step up your practice game to optimize improvement: Set your intentions. Not to sound all clickbait-y, but you can step up your entire practice…
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How to break in a new clarinet
If you are the proud owner of a new clarinet, congratulations! I wish you and your new clarinet a happy future filled with many wonderful musical memories. To increase the longevity and quality of your clarinet, here are a few tips to help you properly break in your new clarinet: Is it a plastic clarinet? If so, you don’t have…
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Home recording and livestream tips for musicians
As livestream concerts and at-home recording sessions become more and more common, I thought I would share a few tips I’ve been using to improve the quality of content I’ve created at home. During the last several months, I’ve performed livestream concerts, recorded YouTube videos, and hosted live sessions on social media. If you’re looking to do the same, here’s…
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Museums clarinetists can virtually visit
Even though your summer travel plans probably look a bit different this year, there are several music museums you can visit virtually this year! Here are a few of my favourites: Le Musée des instruments à vent de La Couture-Boussey. The Woodwind Museum is located in La Couture-Boussey, which many consider to be the “home of wind instruments.” This museum…