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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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25 Practice tips to level up your playing in 2025
Happy New Year! There’s something extra motivating about the change of calendars, and it’s a great time to evaluate ways you can improve and set goals for your future. One of the most impactful areas where you can unlock greater improvement is by examining your practice routine. I’ve written several articles about practice tips throughout the years, and here are 25 practice tips that will help you level up your playing in 2025 and beyond: What are your favorite practice tips? Leave a comment below! Happy practicing!
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9 Mistakes Many Beginning Clarinetists Make
Learning the clarinet certainly takes a lot of trial and error (and many squeaks along the way!). Even though it can be challenging, it is musically rewarding across all styles and genres. If you are learning clarinet, be sure you’re not making any of these 9 mistakes common among beginning clarinetists: I hope these tips help you along your clarinet journey! Happy practicing!
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Proper Ligature Placement on the Clarinet
Ligatures play an important role in any clarinetist’s life – they hold the reed on the mouthpiece! But did you know that ligature placement can affect your sound and response? Read on for more photos and information to ensure you are using proper ligature placement while playing clarinet. (Before continuing, you should check out my Complete Guide to Clarinet Ligatures. I’ve also linked other relevant articles at the bottom of this one.) Proper ligature placement The ligature should be placed under the filed or unfiled portion of the reed. (Pro tip: An easy way to differentiate the two is that unfiled have the U-shape, so you can remember U for…
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Transform Your Clarinet Tone: The Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide
One of the most important things musicians have to offer is their tone. Your tone is your musical voice, which is why it’s important to work on developing your absolute best sound. I’ve written a few articles and resources before on this subject (such as How to Improve Your Clarinet Tone and Sculpt Your Sound Workbook). Today, I want to share a troubleshooting guide to help you identify possible tone issues and how to resolve them. Let’s get started! Use the table below to find your tone issues in the left column and suggested troubleshooting tips in the right column. If your tone… Then try… lacks focus/sounds fuzzy using faster…
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How to avoid popped attacks on clarinet
Imagine this – you’re standing on stage, the lights are dimmed, and you’re ready to play your first entrance when… A sharp spike in the sound ruins the moment you’ve been practicing! Popped attacks are unfortunately very common on the clarinet. These can be frustrating, but these can be avoided with these tips. First up, what causes popped attacks? These are the most common causes of popped attacks, but keep in mind that there might be other factors which can contribute to popped attacks on the clarinet. Now that we know some causes of popped attacks, here are some tips to avoid popped attacks on clarinet: You might also like…