-
How Musicians Can Avoid Becoming A Grinch This Holiday Season
December is a busy time of year, but it’s especially hectic if you are a musician. It’s easy to become a bit Grinch-like if you’re running from gig to gig, consisting of caffeine and adrenaline, and trying to enjoy your family and friends at the same time. Here are a few ways musicians can avoid turning into a Grinch and…
-
13 Ways Musicians Can Spread Holiday Cheer
As you’ve probably heard by now, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! You might not be convinced if you’re trying to find last-minute gifts, preparing to host family and friends, or just experiencing the end-of-year craziness, so here are a few ways musicians can spread some holiday cheer this December: Perform at local hospitals, nursing homes, or anywhere…
-
An End of Term Note of Encouragement for Musicians
Whether you are currently a music student, teacher, freelancer, or any other type of musician, you are probably feeling the stress as another year comes to a close. Compounding that anxiety is the realization that we are about to enter another decade! I’m here to reassure you that you are so close to finishing this hurdle in your musical journey.…
-
10 Clarinet Concerti Written During the Last 10 Years
Wow at how the time flies! I can hardly believe another decade is nearly over! To celebrate another wonderful ten years of clarinetistry, here are ten clarinet concerti written this last decade I’ve enjoyed (arranged alphabetically by composer’s last name): Sérgio Azevedo – Clarinet Concerto Unsuk Chin – Clarinet Concerto David Gompper – Clarinet Concerto (which is an orchestrated expansion…
-
How to Play Well When You’re Feeling Under the Weather
It’s that time of year again – and I’m not talking about the holiday cheer! Stress is high, immune systems are weak, and many of us are battling the unfortunate realities of cold and flu season. Unfortunately, the music doesn’t always stop when we’re feeling under the weather. As we all know, the show must go on, even if you’re…
-
Why Am I Squeaking? A Troubleshooting Guide for Clarinetists
To anyone just starting out on their clarinet journey (and even to some seasoned professionals), there is nothing worse than a squeak. The horror, the shame, the embarrassment, the humiliation! The good news is that you’re in good company – squeaks are part of the growth process for clarinetists, and we have all squeaked (many times!) throughout our clarinet careers.…
-
The Complete Guide to Mindfulness and Meditation for Musicians
Around a year ago, I began meditating as a way to regain focus and perform more intentionally (both onstage and in the practice room). Meditation has helped me grow creatively and artistically, and I’ve noticed its effects both in music and other aspects of my life. Meditation is completely risk-free, and I strongly believe that all musicians should consider incorporating…
-
How to Spend the 24 Hours Before Your Next Audition
The 24 hours before an audition or a performance are a unique kind of hell for musicians. Do you cram in some final practice? Do you sleep late and stay away from your instrument? There’s no single formula for everyone, but here’s the advice I use before any important performance or audition: Avoid social media. To get in a good…
-
13 Things That Frighten Even the Bravest Clarinetist
To paraphrase Bette Davis, “playing clarinet ain’t no place for sissies!” The mental fortitude and nerves of steel required for a career as a musician vanquish many a hopeful clarinetist. However, there are some things that terrify even the bravest of clarinetists: chipped reeds transposition altissimo register on the E-flat clarinet bass clef cracks in your clarinet playing reeds after…
-
Exploring the Paris Pet Cemetery to Find the Graves of Saint-Saëns’ Dogs
Longtime readers of Jenny Clarinet should know by now that I’m quite the taphophile (one who enjoys exploring cemeteries). I’ve visited the graves of famous clarinetists and famous composers, and now I can add pet cemeteries of famous composers to the list. Two years ago, I explored the Cimetière des Chiens et Autres Animaux Domestiques in Asnières-sur-Seine, a small suburb…