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Quick Fix Friday: Move like molasses
Happy Friday! Title catch your attention? Hear me out! (Maybe I’m inspired by all the holiday baking 🥣) Oftentimes in technical passages, we tend to rush through the phrase. As a result, the notes become jumbled and indecipherable. I have a mental trick I use that helps me make sure each note is clear and enunciated. The quick fix? Move…
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How to select a clarinet reed
Finding the best clarinet reed for you and your setup is a lot like searching for the perfect pair of jeans. There will be a lot of trial and error, but once you’ve found the one, it will be worth the effort. Discovering how to choose the right reed is an important lesson all clarinetists must learn early in their…
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How to Improve Clarinet Tone
One of the most common complaints I hear from clarinetists is that they wish they had a better sound. Our sound (aka tone) is our musical voice, so it’s important to work to develop a sound which captures exactly what we want to share with your audience. The subject of clarinet tone is enough to fill its own book (several,…
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Clarinet Curiosities: Unusual Systems and Inventions
The pioneering and curious spirit of clarinetists and manufacturers has led to the development of unique and innovative instruments throughout clarinet history. Here are a few clarinet curiosities, including unusual clarinets, clarinet systems, and inventions to intrigue you: Clarinet-adjacent instruments These instruments might not technically fall under the clarinet family tree, but I wanted to share some distant cousins of…
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Classical Music Warped Timeline: Facts that alter your perception of time
Classical music history is typically taught separately from general history, which is why these comparisons can warp your perception of time. Here are some events from classical music history as they relate to details from general history: What other events in classical music history will warp your perception of time? Leave a comment below!
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How to choose a new clarinet mouthpiece
Welcome to the wonderful world of clarinet mouthpieces! If you’re looking for a new clarinet mouthpiece, here’s everything you need to know: How do you know when it’s time to replace a clarinet mouthpiece? While mouthpieces can be played indefinitely (as long as they’re not broken), I recommend replacing your mouthpiece every 5-10 years, although this greatly depends on how…
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Quick Fix Friday: Steady Air = Steady Sound
Happy Friday! I wanted to share a quick tip to help you improve your sound. We all know that air is all-important (that’s why it’s called a “wind” instrument), and the connection between air and sound is closely related. The quick tip? If you’re looking to improve your sound, focus on the air you’re using. A steady sound is a…
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How to customize and set up a new clarinet
If you’re the proud owner of a new clarinet, congratulations! (Don’t worry if you’re still trying to choose a new clarinet – I’ve got you covered with some of my pro tips to help you select a new clarinet.) As you break in your new clarinet and familiarize yourself with the sound, feel, and tuning, I recommend having it set…
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Pro tips to select a new clarinet
Buying a new clarinet is an exciting event, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many different options available today, which is why I’m here to help! (This article is intended to help current clarinetists upgrade and select a new clarinet. If you’re buying your first clarinet, check out my complete guide to buying your first clarinet.) Here…
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Better Breathing Guide for Clarinetists – Tips to Take Fewer, Better Breaths
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I believe that air is the cause of the majority of issues clarinetists experience. Learning how to properly use our air is crucial to developing better sound, technique, phrasing and more on the clarinet. An essential part of using our air is learning how to take effective breaths when we…