Clarinet: 10 Questions Answered For You

[@jmycke1]

Hi Michelle, thank you for your explanation on the F/Fsharp alternate fingering. I'm interested also on how to practice legato transition between F or F flat to G flat one octave higher. I can't come up with anything better than just going up and down and increasing speed.

[@JaeWiki]

Thanks for this Michelle!!! 😃😃😃😃😃

[@ClarinetMentors]

Your welcome! I hope it helps.

[@JaeWiki]

I got a new Légère reed for Christmas and i like it

[@pae913]

I'm considering getting a new barrel because my new mouthpiece makes my clarinet a quarter step or close to a half step flat. So I'm getting a shorter barrel. ICON or Moennig barrel? I use a buffet R13.

[@miguelgabriel1785]

Hi Michelle, do you have any suggestions on a place to go to in Toronto for clarinet repair/overhaul?

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm a little out of touch with current Toronto music stores. If I were you, I'd send an email to someone who teaches clarinet at U.of T., or the conservatory to see what they recommend. Clarinetists tend to be very friendly and helpful. (Peter Stoll would be a good resource.)

[@jonnigoldfish2292]

Would you know the difference between the Backun Protege Cocobolo vs Backun Beta wood?

[@ridgedweller]

I'm looking at getting a Backun MoBa barrel. What length should I get? I know that 66 mm is the standard, but the one I'm looking at does not have 66mm as an option. My options are 65+ and 66.5

[@nr3rful]

great, the air leaks on the sides is also my issue. I just figured my muscles need to get stronger and will come with practice. ..

[@ClarinetMentors]

It should continue to improve.

[@lz00001-c]

PLEASE ANSWER: how do i make a members.clarinetmastery account? Thanks Michelle

[@davidchinda2747]

Does leaky pads cause squeaking of notes on the Bflat clarinet?? And what are the causes of squeaking on the Bflat clarinet apart from finger placement nd embouchure.. thanks

[@bobsilverstein60007]

In addition to those three causes, various keys and rings may be at the wrong heights or bent. The main culprits are on the top of the instrument on both the lower and upper joints. If a ring is too low, a pad on the assembly may not close all the way. The right ring finger ring may be the cause if any of the four notes below it squeak. If you look closely, you will see a "foot" underneath the low f-sharp and e keys. If that foot is bent, they those notes may squeak or not sound. These are only some of the mechanical problems that occur.A lot of thinks can go wrong. If you are a new player, have a different instrument, even a new one, or tried different finger positions or embouchures and still squeak, bring your horn in for service.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Leaky pads can cause squeaking, but usually it will be only on specific notes (which gives you a clue as to where the leak is). Another common cause of squeaking is inadvertent "biting" on the reed. When tend to do this when the music feels difficult. Check the video to determine if you might be doing this: Embouchure Tester kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2O3hnqvidifi68

[@jon7696]

Hi!I noticed when I articulate an upper clarion note;I will hear a slight delay or thudding sound.How do I fix this?

[@Psychlone616]

Every time I try to do any note above the middle bar, it makes a really obnoxiously loud squeak. I'm playing a song for my uncle's wedding and it has quite a few of those notes. I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Could you help me?

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Leo, usually squeaking a lot is either 1) your reed may be getting too soft for you 2) you may be accidentally "biting" too much on the reed (which we tend to do when we hit a hard spot) or 3) your fingers may not be covering the holes all of the way. These resources will help: 1) What strength of reed should you use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHS9gZWcraZgqcU 2) kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2O3hnqvidifi68 - Embouchure Tester 3) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmbSeYaDZrGWfKs

[@alexpianoplayer15]

Does the age matters too much when it comes to learing clarinet?

[@hollyleech8206]

how can I play two notes at once on the clarinet?

[@dudeawsomeness1]

Holly Leech what!?

[@hollyleech8206]

dudeawsomeness1 oh I need to play a piece on clarinet that plays two notes at once or something

[@dudeawsomeness1]

Holly Leech you mean there are two notes on the same stem? That's just two different "parts." Like you could play the top notes and someone else plays the bottom notes.

[@hollyleech8206]

dudeawsomeness1 oh okay! I understand. thank you so much!

[@XRAIDER93]

One side of my mouth can't push inwards so I leak from one side

[@gameaddiction7731]

X Raider Look up earspasm music embouchure exercise.

[@dip-fry3380]

I have a question, though unrelated to this video.

[@suelevin114]

I find that if air is leaking, the reed is too stiff for me, & needs to be shaved down a bit.

[@bobsilverstein60007]

You might want to try Legere plastic reeds. See my comments below.

[@bobsilverstein60007]

PS Many newer players use reeds that are too stiff because experienced players tend to use stiffer reeds. Ignore that advice. Try lower strengths until you find the "right" one. If using cane, expect a lot of variation in the box.

[@ClarinetMentors]

This can be true. If you find the majority of reeds feel too resistant, you may need a softer strength. Tom Ridenour has a reed system that helps with sanding of cane reeds.

[@Ben-dm8fi]

I keep squeaking and I don't know what to do I have done everything my band director tells me to do what should I do

[@bobsilverstein60007]

See if you squeak on another horn. If you do not, then you should bring your clarinet in to check for leaks and bad keys.

[@ClarinetMentors]

One of the most common causes of squeaking is accidentally "biting" too hard on the reed. Check this video to see if that might be you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2O3hnqvidifi68 It could be a mechanical issue as well, as Bob says. Trying a different mouthpiece or clarinet might help.