the greatest failing of clarinetists and clarinet teachers Pt 1

[@Dankdalorde]

I left my university because I thought I was a failure (Music Ed major-Clarinet). I haven’t played in almost 2 years but I want to get back into it. I convinced myself that what I was doing was useless and that no one will ever care-but now I realize it was myself telling myself that. I’m happy you’ve kept uploading and it’s starting to motivate me to play again ASAP.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

To understand how crucial reed adjusting skills are, and how a few touches on the reed may drastically improve the sound and intonation, each clarinet player should try playing a saxophone for a while. Due to its design, every adjustment on a saxophone reed is amplified more than on the clarinet. The concept of reed adjusting and how it works becomes clearer.

[@misi1979]

Perfectly agree....I am not sure when start to adjust reeds what is happening..just sratching here and there,trying...some empirical act. Frecvetnly play with bad reeds and rarely have a good one,what I play to the last breath of the poor reed. I started to teach and realise...exactly what You saying: hoaw can a student make proper embochure ,free blowing,good sound...when struggling with reed and mouthpuiece??? I never good at that..probably bneacuse I play so much with bad ones and I just use to the fact that....and celebrating a good one. I am interested with You'r product Mr Ridenour...wotk the ATG system on synthetic reeds,too?

[@billyboy647]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, my reed finishing system works on Legere reeds---I think it's the only finishing method he recommends.

[@TheTabwinner]

Where is part 2 ?

[@robin-hr9up]

Once you digest the priciples of the system, you can find a way of doing it in your own way. The fundamental principle is balancing the reed - and understanding the theory of a leaf spring design, as outlined in William Stubbins' book on the clarinet. The reed is a variable that determines the method of balancing. Leaf springs are made of a standard material - consistent and predeictable. Each reed is to the contrary, unique, but will respond much better when balanced, and you are better informed once you appreciate the design imperatives of the leaf spring. I have used the ATG system for about 10 years, and has proved one of the most effective ways of dealing with reeds. I currently use 220 grit glass paper to make small adjustments while reed is still on the mouthpiece. Thank you Tom!

[@avarmadillo]

My pleasure.

[@giovannilopez3466]

Could you do a video on vibrato ?