Clarinet Lesson: How You Can Improve Your Technic By Checking Your Arm-Wrist-Hand Position 

Thanks, Michelle. I am picking up my clarinet after a lapse of 45 years, and I find your tips most helpful. You have changed the way I warm up, as opposed to not doing it at all. I do have that lapse in sound at times. Now I know why. Thanks.

Hi Sherry, I hear from so many people who have returned to clarinet after a long break. Although it helps to have some pointers to ensure that you are not starting up with bad habits, the fun thing is that your body does still remember how to do it on some level. Most people are amazed to find that after about 3 months, much of their former skill has returned. Good luck with it! - Michelle

Thanks so much Michelle. I will try this. I played with a different reed- same number- the other day and the C came out perfect! Next time I struggle with a reed I will try your tip. Thanks for being so generous with your time and tips. They really really help!

Thanks Michelle, this is yet another useful tip for me. I recognised straight away what I need to improve and am looking forward to trying it out in front of the mirror tomorrow. Excellent videos.

Hi Ann, I am glad that you are enjoying the tips. I love klezmer music, but it is not really my speciality. You may want to check out some of the resources by Tom Puwalski. He is a fun and engaging teacher and I believe he has some klezmer teaching resources online. - Michelle

thanks Michele, it worked ( your information) These things I do, Had to lay off practicing for a couple of months to take care of my girlfriend who had had a triple by-pass surgery, but I'm getting practicing back to normal? ha ha , but it's coming it just takes time. Seems like the doctors appointments kind of keep routines sporadic, but that's life huh? God bless you and keep the faith, you are appreciated. Brian

That's fixed my aching wrist, thanks Michelle

Hi Nathalie, Since the high G is an overtone of the low C, your clarinet kind of "likes" to stay up there on the G. Having said that, it can also be an indication that you are slightly "biting" on the reed with your bottom jaw. You can think of slightly opening your mouth as you move down to the C. You can also check out the "embouchure tester video" for a fingering that will help you to notice if you are biting. You can correct it by bringing the corners of your mouth in more.

Wow! I haven't heard of that one before. I'm curious...I'll have to experiment. I hope I don't get stuck like an old pretzel! Thanks for the tip. - Michelle

Very interesting and informative. Thank you.

Hi - I think that the Backun barrels give you more options in your tone colour. Some people have a few barrels and change them depending upon what they are playing. I find that my MoBa barrel can sound very dark when I want it to, but also allows me to lighten up if the music calls for it. They have a lot of flexibility. The main thing is how you feel it responds with your equipment. If you can try them out, you will likely find one that you like! - Michelle

I know these clarinet tips are mainly for adults, but I am a high school student that stumbled on your videos one day while I was on youtube. They have really helped me excel in my clarinet technique. I play in the marching band at school and we are required to have our elbows out while we play. Do you have any tips to combat that?

Thank you very much!

Hi Susan. There is some controversy about this. I think the answer is "both". Some people seem naturally able to go faster, but EVERYONE can improve their tonguing speed considerably with the right exercises. Our tongue is very flexible, and improves dexterity relatively quickly. I have some videos here that touch on this a bit. If you focus on staccato, speed comes as a bonus. Check them out. (I can't post a link in a comment, but you will find it on the Clarinet Mentors channel). Michelle

You may need to have a "marching band position" and an "everything else position" (which would allow you to keep your elbows in for a healthier wrist angle). When you are in marching band, I would recommend that you try and line up your wrist in as straight a line as you can with your elbows. You might be able to move your thumb a bit to make this work. If not, I think you should just focus on getting it right when you are not marching! - Michelle

I really like your videos Michelle, they've helped me become much better! But one thing i noticed is when i play a high C in the staff, or any of the notes using register (excluding altissimo notes) it wants to jump to one of those altissimo notes, I honestly think it's because I could possibly be biting the reed too much, but even then it jumps up to a higher note... Not sure what i should do either, I just upgraded to a better mouthpiece if that matters.

hey, michelle. your tips are very helpful, thank you! i was wondering if you sometime could do a klezmer tutorial, if that genre is common to you? :)

Hi Michelle...First of all I want to thank you for this video which answered a question I asked a few weeks ago. I was not holding my right hand correctly and am trying to watch it now. It seems that holding it right does help in crossing the break "on time". I have another question: How to go from high G to low C. There is such a thing in the Andante part of the Weber Concertino. Very often my low C comes out just like the high G although I do lift up my left thumb. Any tips? Thanks a lot!

Someone told me to try this. Bend over your knees, grab the clarinet by moving your arms under the legs. This forces the body over your knees and then play the clarinet in this very awkward position. What I am told is that this forces one to focus and use the diaphragm. I have tried it a few times, and indeed the only way to breath is to use the diaphragm. So there you have it another un-elegant moment.

Hey Michelle, first I'd like to say thank you because you make very helpful videos which I really like! I have a question: Do you recommend the Backun/Moba Barrels? Because I'm thinking of buying one, but I'm not pretty sure if that really improves my sound. Even if I'm german I'm playing french Clarinet (Buffet R13 Prestige) but I want to sound a bit more german, because german orchestras prefere a darker (more german) sound. Do these barrles make the sound darker? Sorry for my bad english ;-)

thankyou

I occasionally have room in my schedule for this. Email me at michelle at clarinetmentors with the usual ending, and we can look at options. Thanks for your feedback again! - Michelle

Hi Michelle, I have heard Martin Frost play very fast staccato tongue, to the point it sounds like a lawn mower. Is it possible to develop into this or do you have to be a natural at it?

Another great tip! Thank you for sharing. :) Have you ever considered giving lessons over Skype? I'm not able to come to your studio but, I'd like to try getting lessons. :)

Hi Ann, I am glad that you are enjoying the tips. I love klezmer music, but it is not really my speciality. You may want to check out some of the resources by Tom Puwalski. He is a fun and engaging teacher and I believe he has some klezmer teaching resources online. - Michelle