Squeaking on High Notes? Try these Altissimo Tips PLUS Baermann Exercises!

[@beth7467]

In the Langenus print edition of Baermann, these exercises are on pp. 52-54. Great video, Cally!

[@callyclarinet]

Thanks, Beth! I will pin this to the top of the comments.

[@barryfleischer6553]

Thanks.

[@solecaring1230]

​@@callyclarinetHello Cally this is Andy from Canada. Can you also play Jazz like Benny Goodman or else Eddie Daniels?

[@johnyoungquist6540]

Nice Job. Decades ago In high school I decided to master altissimo so I could play Flight of the Bumble Bee an octave higher. A lofty goal to say the least. I practiced altissimo every day for years. I did play the Bee up high but the fingering challenges prevented me from reaching light speed like down low so you really couldn't perform it. Ultimately after years of daily practice altissimo was easy. Here is what I found out. First you good skill in rest of the range. You need very precise control of pressure on the reed and the ability to play over a wide dynamic range (loud to soft) with precise pitch control. You probably benefit from a strong reed, I used 4. The single most important factor is the grip on the mouthpiece and position of the lower lip. To play the highest notes I needed to lower my lower lip. I moved it maybe 1/16th of an inch down. Then all the notes would sound over the entire range, But it took more lip force to do it and very precise control. So you might be challenged by it initially but after a while it is normal. I think this position works better over the entire instrument range. Starting random notes in tune at ppp dynamic level is a good exercise. I played the all the major scales in all keys everyday into the altissimo as a warmup. I also played numerous exercises and other parts up an octave too. I got first chair in the university band and orchestra because of altissimo in the audition. I would extend cadenzas up there too. A few high notes go a long way. You'll need to work on sight reading skills too. Altissimo is fun and challenging and for me at least took a long time to master the entire range. Work on it every day for best results.

[@HallStigerts]

Thanks for the exercises! I hit a few bumps in the infamous Carl Rose 40 Studies for Clarinet, No. 2. Clarion G - Altissimo Eb - Clarion Bb - Altissimo Eb. I was inspired to find some help on here and it’s nice to have a ride-along on these torture exercises that make us better musicians!

[@callyclarinet]

You're welcome!!

[@dbarr15]

great tip at 5:40 thanks

[@MrSouzy]

so many thanks for this. I always struggled with this register but today after following your advice it all snapped in to place and I got it !

[@nolanmullen8525]

Omg this is the exact video I’ve been needing!!!

[@molly7635]

Just finding your channel now and am already excited to devour everything, hehehe~~ Composing as we speak--

[@Ryan98391]

I don't play clarinet, yet. I just started playing an instrument called the Mussette. It's like a cross between a recorder with a smaller clarinet mouthpiece with the reed shaved down. I can't find much on the Mussette so I am trying to adapt clarinet technique to my instrument. I'm working on getting to three octaves.

[@clarinetowner]

Note to self: Before trying Cally‘s inhale tip, remove tobacco pipe from mouth.

[@callyclarinet]

LOL haven't heard that one before! hopefully also remove it to play clarinet too...

[@parkerarnett1052]

This is a funny thing I do, but when I go up in the altissimo register, I raise my eyebrows, it really does help😂

[@barryfleischer6553]

Very informative.

[@utsxkushii]

Im trying to teach someone how to do it and I know how, but I don’t know how to describe it. This was helpful for me lol

[@callyclarinet]

I'm so glad!!! I like watching other teachers too... Sometimes it's helpful to get a different perspective!

[@saxmusicmail]

The function of the hole, when lifting the left hand index finger for the altissimo, is to be an additional register vent. But look how small the regular register vent is as compared to the tone holes around it. When playing altissimo, lifting the left index finger completely produces too large a vent. Instead, just roll the finger down slightly, exposing just a small crack at the top of the hole, in effect, "half-holing". You will find this makes the altissimo notes speak easier, with a fuller tone. You will no longer work so hard trying to play this register. Try it and see.

[@Selena1010]

Just found your channel! Do you have any tips for how to be louder without actually practicing at a louder volume? I’m in an apartment and don’t want my neighbors to hate me any more than they probably already do, especially playing exercises like these 😅

[@callyclarinet]

Hi, thanks for checking out my channel! Lol, I understand apartment living (I am in one myself, though my neighbors have been kind so far...). Anyway, I think what you're asking is if one can practice projection without playing loud, correct? I have found it takes a lot of control of the air, keeping it moving forward in just the right way). I also find it helpful to use good reeds that have just a bit more resistance. I hope that helps!

[@freebirdofparadise]

Selena, when I started playing again and wanted to break into altissimo, I practiced those parts in my closet until I got past the squeaking phase and got a little confidence. 😅 ( it gets hot in there quick so super short spurts) I have to play super quiet in band, this undoubtedly helped me through the unpleasantries of getting into the altissimo where you have to be freed to explore. I just found this channel too. I can’t wait to start these exercises. She mentioned she has a fb group too. Hope to see you there! 😃

[@Selena1010]

@@callyclarinet projection is the word I was looking for! Thanks for the tips ☺️

[@Selena1010]

@@freebirdofparadise omg I’ve also tried to practice in my closet before and got practically cooked in there haha

[@hardyblues2194]

Great! My high D always goes to the G overtone when I add my tongue...what am I doing wrong? 😢

[@callyclarinet]

Could be many things... Tonguing too hard, over blowing the register, reed could be too soft/hard or unbalanced, embouchure or jaw might be moving, could be biting, could be throat tension... High Notes are so sensitive 😭 Experiment and see what works! Good luck!

[@sarahpelekelo]

Hello, 😊 how do I join the Facebook page?

[@Isabagel12]

When I’m doing my b flat scale,arpeggio, and thirds I have to reach the high C I can’t play that from middle A

[@parkjimin-bp6zf]

Hey Cally I’ve been playing clarinet for a few years and I am in highschool right now and trying to get my altissimo register! Do you have any tips on how to stop squeaking on the notes?

[@uhh3457]

Well I mean she said it in the video

[@itsnottoolatetostart]

I cant do high high F 😭 please help, i can kinda play it but it sounds different like one semiton lower than what its supposed to sound like

[@barryfleischer6553]

If I wanted to get the a printed copy of the Baermann book with these exercises, what exactly am I looking for ? Is there more than one Baerman book with different exercises ?

[@callyclarinet]

yes, i don't remember which one these are from...

[@barryfleischer6553]

.....Is that a Marimba in the background? Do you play that too?

[@callyclarinet]

my significant other is a percussionist and pianist :-)

[@barryfleischer6553]

@@callyclarinet Your cat plays the Marimba and piano? and percussion?

[@callyclarinet]

HAHAHAHA 🤣 omg I wish!! If Luke could do all of that I think he would need his own channel lol

[@AndyF.-kq1cq]

Be careful of heater , it will damage your instruments!

[@callyclarinet]

Thanks! :-)

[@DeeboComing]

Who plays marimba in your household?? 👀👀

[@joehamilton4656]

She talks too much.