Being a somewhat experienced player, this made me realize how much you really do lose track of the basics. And how much the basics really do make a diffrence
Thank you Michelle, as always, you present us with wonderful instructive lessons. I have to reckon that following your tips I've improved, even not devoting that much time to it and not being gifted at all. Just to let you know I rarely make comments; but, I'm a true follower of Clarinet Mentor and there are no words able to show my appreciation for your invaluable help.
I have played Bass Clarinet for 6 years; I haven't played normal clarinet since 6th grade, and I was asked by a friend to play a clarinet trio, so I hope this helps.
THABK TOU SO MUCH MA'AM I've been struggling for weeks to hit notes above high C, but your video reminded me to fix my embouchure and it WORKED. I'm so grateful because this makes my college audition sound way better
Having not played clarinet in nearly 15 years and having to pick it up again to double with the saxes in a big band I found myself biting in the altissimo range. This definitely helps, thank you.
Thank you so much. This video couldn't have come at a better time for me, because I've just started focusing on improving my tone in the higher register. Your videos help a lot, especially since I don't actually take formal lessons yet.
+NoFantasy I'm glad this is helpful. I have some other "high notes" videos on CZcams if this is an area that you would like some pointers on: High Notes 101: czcams.com/video/99cC_wS4_6E/video.html Part 2: altissimo: czcams.com/video/EyKrRs_Q8yU/video.html Part 3: voicing and half-hole: czcams.com/video/Fl9tm7pHzBQ/video.html
Anything above e right above the break is slightly flat and I can’t fix it, the rest of the horn is in tune, is there any tips to play better in tune on the higher notes?
I'm a 7 year player and my director has recently given me an E flat to play. No one seems to know much that I've talked to (including our state symphony players) and I was wondering if you had any tips?
+Allison Mundy Many of the same rules apply as to regular clarinet. You need very fast air, and rounded corners in the embouchure. Most Eb clarinets are more challenging to play in tune than Bb clarinets. I sometimes have my own creative fingerings in the altissimo register to help it play better in tune. Personally, I prefer Bb reeds that have been trimmed to fit an Eb mouthpiece (by chopping off the bottom - I use wire cutters) than a manufactured Eb reed. I find they sound fuller. A good mouthpiece (as with any clarinet) can make a huge difference, too.
I'm practicing my 12 major scales but I have to go really high, like my G major scale goes 3 octaves high. Have any tips on how to tongue in the very high register without making an undertone because i can slur the notes to high high g but i can tongue them all. Thx
+Dominic Malilay If you can slur, but not tongue, it is usually because your air is losing air pressure when you tongue. Really focus on keeping the air as fast and steady as it is when you slur. The "huffing" air technic in this video could be adapted to that altissimo G to help your air support: czcams.com/video/bUgHynL_lQo/video.html
Hello! I have had this problem with my clarinet, since I have changed reeds. You see, when I try to play C(and, on occasion, D,) on my clarinet, it automatically converts to the high Register. What can I do to fix this?
Hi Gabriela, This could indicate that something is leaking on your clarinet (a key that would close near the same finger holes that you use for C and D). It could also be that when you are blowing on the more resistant reed, you are working harder, and accidentally "biting" on the reed. This causes it to jump up to the higher register. You can counter this by bringing the corners of your mouth more firmly in to make your embouchure more circular.
+Larry Nelson I haven't figured out what causes this, although it is normal. Some foods seem to cause more saliva. Most people become very adept at "vacuuming" as they breathe in when they hear that gurgle in the reed. It is just part of playing.
Hello, Michelle Would you by any chance know if there are any Backun retailers in Europe? I'm buying a new Clarinet soon, and I want to "give it a little gift." Thanks beforehand :-) - Henrik
+Principal Clarinet, Henrik Jensen I am sure there are, but I do not know exactly who they are. You could contact sales@backunmusical.com and ask them. There is a big sale on slightly damaged (often a small scratch, that you can't even really see) until April 30th directly from BMS.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) I see. Thank you so much; I will contact them today. Now that you have answered my question, I can start the compliments :-) No, but really: Great video once again, keep up the good work. And whilst you do that, I will keep learning from you. Greetings
+truckers1867 I use Backun barrels, usually the MoBa, although I sometimes use a FatBoy. Currently, I am mostly playing on a cocobolo MoBa barrel. I love the tone colours.
+geckocave09 That's a tough one. I usually go for both! I would say that tone consistency is very important in a clarinet. The mouthpiece seems to make more difference to the freeness of blowing than the clarinet (generally speaking). You might need to try different combinations to see what works for you.
Great video, these are always basics that should be reviewed occasionally. It looks like your gold Silverstein ligature only has one bar. Do you like it better than using two bars? Thanks.
+William Zeidler I filmed that lesson about a year ago, and it was an older Silverstein ligature. Now, I use the Cryo 4, which does have 2 bars. I really liked the older ligature, and the new one is just a bit better.
Thanks, another wonderful video! This series is such a fantastic resource for those of us who are coming back to the clarinet after many years' absence! I've tried to follow your helpful hints, but still struggle when jumping between high clarion to high register-- say from high A or B to 3rd register D or Eb. I get a hesitation, or a rough gritty start to the second note, whether I'm going up, say from Bb to Eb or back down. (And rapid passages between them, like in Dvorak's 9th Symph, 4th movement triplets, some notes either don't sound at all or squeal.) Is there something particular I should be looking out for? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
+StanMetsFan Those are tricky intervals. Watch for an instinctive tendency to bite on the highest notes, which restricts air. It usually helps to focus on very round corners of the mouth, and faster air. I like to "huff" very fast puffs of air on each note to help my body establish what air support is needed. For example, without tonguing, blow a burst of air for an A, then a D, then an A. Use a loud burst, and try and get the tones to match.Tone may not be great at first, but the goal is to get more air moving right at the start of the notes. Gradually lengthen the "huffs" until you are slurring from the A to the D with almost non-stop air. You may need to change the airstream as you slur, but the goal is to keep it strong and non-stop. A video would help... It is partially explained here: czcams.com/video/JSUWle1lOwY/video.html.
+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thanks so, so much for the advice! It's fabulous to have some concrete exercises to work on! Again, your videos and comments have made a big difference for me!! :)
Hello, I have a question about embouchure. I have been playing clarinet for 8 years or so and i wanted to start playing trumpet, will it affect my clarinet embouchure a lot? If so, how bad? Thanks. P.S. Sorry for bad english.
Clarinet and trumpet have some similarities in the shape of the mouth, but because trumpet uses a "buzzing" or "vibrating" of the lips, it is quite different from the clarinet. There are people who play both well. You just need to learn to change how you play as you move between the two instruments. Good luck!
Hey Michelle, I have been told by my band director that I have an "edgy" sound and I've been trying to fix it but I can't seem to get any progress. Also, I'm on first clarinet so I'm on the high notes and it seems difficult for me to tongue eighth notes while paying simple things like a G or an A
hi mrs anderson! I've been watching your videos in my pastime and I am trying to improve by myself. I am a beginner and have only been playing for 3 years but I am practicing for the highest band (for my school) for next year in which I will be a sophomore. I have come to notice that many things I thought I was doing right were actually quite incorrect and your videos have helped me to realize that. Now I am practicing for almost 2 hours a day in which 30-40 minutes are warmup and the rest is trying to fix my embouchure, my breathing, my tone, my tongue-ing etc. My question is that to improve more efficiently, do you recommend for me to get private lessons? I feel like many of your videos are what any teacher would teach but instead it comes at a price. I know a private teacher could help me point out bad habits in which I won't notice easily but if I am conscious enough of what I am doing, could I not do it myself? Anyways, I love your videos and I think they are very high quality! Your videos at backun musical services are also extremely well done. P. S: When tonguing high notes I find that keeping your tongue at the tip of the reed is difficult when you move your jaw downwards as well. I don't know if its just my clarinet (ventus protégé by backun) or what but I always get a weird undertone and the note doesn't come out. I use lots of air and I keep it going. I use a 3 reed by rico and an m13 vandoren mouthpiece. If you could reply it would make my world! Any other help from anyone is also appreciated :)
Md Zalien I know this is kind of late butane thing that could be causing the undertone is the speed of air, one thing I do is say hee, and then hiss it and try to replicate that into your clarinet. Hope I could help
Hi Michelle, I have had troubles with keeping my mouth/chin still when I'm moving. My teacher has told me to keep trying and I have, but it seems like I have made no progress.
Hi Chris, if this happens mostly when you are tonguing, try practising tonguing by "whispering" (blowing air through the clarinet, but opening your jaw so that only hissing air goes through the instrument). Sometimes it is way easier to keep things still when we do this. Once you feel like this is working, try and gradually increase airspeed, while "freezing" your embouchure in place. Sometimes that tricks your brain into avoiding that deeply ingrained habit. It is a tricky one to break, but looking in a mirror can really help.
+LeafyIsHere Fan I don't really distinguish between band or orchestra or solo playing (unless the band is outdoors, in which case some people prefer synthetic reeds). I recommend that you find reeds that work best on your set up. Most of my school band students play on Mitchell Lurie, Vandoren V12, or Steuer Exclusive reeds. Some like the new Vandoren V21 reeds as well, which seem to be sized a bit differently from the V12, so work for those that are kind of between reed strengths otherwise.
Being a somewhat experienced player, this made me realize how much you really do lose track of the basics. And how much the basics really do make a diffrence
True for all of us!
Thank you Michelle, as always, you present us with wonderful instructive lessons. I have to reckon that following your tips I've improved, even not devoting that much time to it and not being gifted at all. Just to let you know I rarely make comments; but, I'm a true follower of Clarinet Mentor and there are no words able to show my appreciation for your invaluable help.
+Nelson Peraza Wow! Thanks for the kind and very eloquent words. I appreciate it.
I have played Bass Clarinet for 6 years; I haven't played normal clarinet since 6th grade, and I was asked by a friend to play a clarinet trio, so I hope this helps.
THABK TOU SO MUCH MA'AM I've been struggling for weeks to hit notes above high C, but your video reminded me to fix my embouchure and it WORKED. I'm so grateful because this makes my college audition sound way better
Having not played clarinet in nearly 15 years and having to pick it up again to double with the saxes in a big band I found myself biting in the altissimo range. This definitely helps, thank you.
New to clarinet mentors. My playing is improved (intermediate level), and a good life is kicked up a notch! Thanks, Michelle!
+Richard Zeman Welcome to the Clarinet Mentors community! I hope you are enjoying your clarinet, and thanks for commenting here.
Thank you so much. This video couldn't have come at a better time for me, because I've just started focusing on improving my tone in the higher register. Your videos help a lot, especially since I don't actually take formal lessons yet.
+musicalmiseducation7 I'm glad this is helpful. These are basic concepts, but very important ones.
Thank you for a great reminder on this technique
+Chelsea Johnson I'm glad this was helpful!
That was very informative. Thank you.
This helps alot, especially to someone like me who has no mentor.
+NoFantasy I'm glad this is helpful. I have some other "high notes" videos on CZcams if this is an area that you would like some pointers on: High Notes 101: czcams.com/video/99cC_wS4_6E/video.html
Part 2: altissimo: czcams.com/video/EyKrRs_Q8yU/video.html
Part 3: voicing and half-hole: czcams.com/video/Fl9tm7pHzBQ/video.html
Anything above e right above the break is slightly flat and I can’t fix it, the rest of the horn is in tune, is there any tips to play better in tune on the higher notes?
Wonderful video!!!
Thanks! I"m glad you enjoyed this.
I'm a 7 year player and my director has recently given me an E flat to play. No one seems to know much that I've talked to (including our state symphony players) and I was wondering if you had any tips?
+Allison Mundy Many of the same rules apply as to regular clarinet. You need very fast air, and rounded corners in the embouchure. Most Eb clarinets are more challenging to play in tune than Bb clarinets. I sometimes have my own creative fingerings in the altissimo register to help it play better in tune. Personally, I prefer Bb reeds that have been trimmed to fit an Eb mouthpiece (by chopping off the bottom - I use wire cutters) than a manufactured Eb reed. I find they sound fuller. A good mouthpiece (as with any clarinet) can make a huge difference, too.
thank you so much!!!1
I'm practicing my 12 major scales but I have to go really high, like my G major scale goes 3 octaves high. Have any tips on how to tongue in the very high register without making an undertone because i can slur the notes to high high g but i can tongue them all. Thx
+Dominic Malilay If you can slur, but not tongue, it is usually because your air is losing air pressure when you tongue. Really focus on keeping the air as fast and steady as it is when you slur. The "huffing" air technic in this video could be adapted to that altissimo G to help your air support: czcams.com/video/bUgHynL_lQo/video.html
Thank you so much for this information about a Embouchure .
this helps me alot thanks clairint mentors
+german cervantes I'm glad you enjoyed this. I hope your concert goes well next week!
Hello! I have had this problem with my clarinet, since I have changed reeds. You see, when I try to play C(and, on occasion, D,) on my clarinet, it automatically converts to the high Register. What can I do to fix this?
Hi Gabriela, This could indicate that something is leaking on your clarinet (a key that would close near the same finger holes that you use for C and D). It could also be that when you are blowing on the more resistant reed, you are working harder, and accidentally "biting" on the reed. This causes it to jump up to the higher register. You can counter this by bringing the corners of your mouth more firmly in to make your embouchure more circular.
Great video, thanks. What causes the build up of saliva in the mouth piece and how to stop or correct this? It does the effect the sound.
+Larry Nelson I haven't figured out what causes this, although it is normal. Some foods seem to cause more saliva. Most people become very adept at "vacuuming" as they breathe in when they hear that gurgle in the reed. It is just part of playing.
Hello, Michelle
Would you by any chance know if there are any Backun retailers in Europe? I'm buying a new Clarinet soon, and I want to "give it a little gift."
Thanks beforehand :-)
- Henrik
+Principal Clarinet, Henrik Jensen I am sure there are, but I do not know exactly who they are. You could contact sales@backunmusical.com and ask them. There is a big sale on slightly damaged (often a small scratch, that you can't even really see) until April 30th directly from BMS.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) I see. Thank you so much; I will contact them today.
Now that you have answered my question, I can start the compliments :-)
No, but really: Great video once again, keep up the good work. And whilst you do that, I will keep learning from you.
Greetings
Great reminders provided instant high note results.
What Barrel do you use?
+truckers1867 I use Backun barrels, usually the MoBa, although I sometimes use a FatBoy. Currently, I am mostly playing on a cocobolo MoBa barrel. I love the tone colours.
i have a band concert on may third 2016
I'm looking for a clarinet upgrade, and I don't know if I should prioritize tone consistency or freeness of blowing. What is your advice?
+geckocave09 That's a tough one. I usually go for both! I would say that tone consistency is very important in a clarinet. The mouthpiece seems to make more difference to the freeness of blowing than the clarinet (generally speaking). You might need to try different combinations to see what works for you.
+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thanks!
Great video, these are always basics that should be reviewed occasionally. It looks like your gold Silverstein ligature only has one bar. Do you like it better than using two bars? Thanks.
+William Zeidler I filmed that lesson about a year ago, and it was an older Silverstein ligature. Now, I use the Cryo 4, which does have 2 bars. I really liked the older ligature, and the new one is just a bit better.
Thanks, another wonderful video! This series is such a fantastic resource for those of us who are coming back to the clarinet after many years' absence! I've tried to follow your helpful hints, but still struggle when jumping between high clarion to high register-- say from high A or B to 3rd register D or Eb. I get a hesitation, or a rough gritty start to the second note, whether I'm going up, say from Bb to Eb or back down. (And rapid passages between them, like in Dvorak's 9th Symph, 4th movement triplets, some notes either don't sound at all or squeal.) Is there something particular I should be looking out for? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
+StanMetsFan Those are tricky intervals. Watch for an instinctive tendency to bite on the highest notes, which restricts air. It usually helps to focus on very round corners of the mouth, and faster air. I like to "huff" very fast puffs of air on each note to help my body establish what air support is needed. For example, without tonguing, blow a burst of air for an A, then a D, then an A. Use a loud burst, and try and get the tones to match.Tone may not be great at first, but the goal is to get more air moving right at the start of the notes. Gradually lengthen the "huffs" until you are slurring from the A to the D with almost non-stop air. You may need to change the airstream as you slur, but the goal is to keep it strong and non-stop. A video would help... It is partially explained here: czcams.com/video/JSUWle1lOwY/video.html.
+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thanks so, so much for the advice! It's fabulous to have some concrete exercises to work on! Again, your videos and comments have made a big difference for me!! :)
thank you
+Avernell C. I'm glad this is helpful.
Hello, I have a question about embouchure. I have been playing clarinet for 8 years or so and i wanted to start playing trumpet, will it affect my clarinet embouchure a lot? If so, how bad? Thanks.
P.S. Sorry for bad english.
Clarinet and trumpet have some similarities in the shape of the mouth, but because trumpet uses a "buzzing" or "vibrating" of the lips, it is quite different from the clarinet. There are people who play both well. You just need to learn to change how you play as you move between the two instruments. Good luck!
Wow, congratulations of 11k subscribers.
+Game Addiction It surprised me at first how many clarinetists are out there in the world, but it is a popular instrument!
A very competitive one as well.
Hey Michelle, I have been told by my band director that I have an "edgy" sound and I've been trying to fix it but I can't seem to get any progress. Also, I'm on first clarinet so I'm on the high notes and it seems difficult for me to tongue eighth notes while paying simple things like a G or an A
Tylet Shumate those are some on the hardest notes to tongue on the clarinet. More air is always good!
hi mrs anderson! I've been watching your videos in my pastime and I am trying to improve by myself. I am a beginner and have only been playing for 3 years but I am practicing for the highest band (for my school) for next year in which I will be a sophomore. I have come to notice that many things I thought I was doing right were actually quite incorrect and your videos have helped me to realize that. Now I am practicing for almost 2 hours a day in which 30-40 minutes are warmup and the rest is trying to fix my embouchure, my breathing, my tone, my tongue-ing etc. My question is that to improve more efficiently, do you recommend for me to get private lessons? I feel like many of your videos are what any teacher would teach but instead it comes at a price. I know a private teacher could help me point out bad habits in which I won't notice easily but if I am conscious enough of what I am doing, could I not do it myself? Anyways, I love your videos and I think they are very high quality! Your videos at backun musical services are also extremely well done.
P. S: When tonguing high notes I find that keeping your tongue at the tip of the reed is difficult when you move your jaw downwards as well. I don't know if its just my clarinet (ventus protégé by backun) or what but I always get a weird undertone and the note doesn't come out. I use lots of air and I keep it going. I use a 3 reed by rico and an m13 vandoren mouthpiece. If you could reply it would make my world! Any other help from anyone is also appreciated :)
Md Zalien I know this is kind of late butane thing that could be causing the undertone is the speed of air, one thing I do is say hee, and then hiss it and try to replicate that into your clarinet. Hope I could help
Hi Michelle, I have had troubles with keeping my mouth/chin still when I'm moving. My teacher has told me to keep trying and I have, but it seems like I have made no progress.
Hi Chris, if this happens mostly when you are tonguing, try practising tonguing by "whispering" (blowing air through the clarinet, but opening your jaw so that only hissing air goes through the instrument). Sometimes it is way easier to keep things still when we do this. Once you feel like this is working, try and gradually increase airspeed, while "freezing" your embouchure in place. Sometimes that tricks your brain into avoiding that deeply ingrained habit. It is a tricky one to break, but looking in a mirror can really help.
I'll definitely try whispering and standing in the mirror. Thanks so much. :)
what type of reed do you prefer for a concert band student?
+LeafyIsHere Fan I don't really distinguish between band or orchestra or solo playing (unless the band is outdoors, in which case some people prefer synthetic reeds). I recommend that you find reeds that work best on your set up. Most of my school band students play on Mitchell Lurie, Vandoren V12, or Steuer Exclusive reeds. Some like the new Vandoren V21 reeds as well, which seem to be sized a bit differently from the V12, so work for those that are kind of between reed strengths otherwise.
Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) Thanks so much! :)
I love you
+maxi020 Thanks! Great to hear from all over the world. I hope you are enjoying your clarinet.
What state are you based in?
actually it’s 6:03 MICHELLE
i’m jk love you boo
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH XDDDDDDDDDDD