Clarinet Tone - How I Improved Mine in 2 Weeks

[@qwiklok]

I play French hirn as hobby and love it having been on trumpet for years. My daughter in law hadn't played her clarinet for 25 years Her fondest memories of a rough childhood was her playing her clarinet. She loved it. Then stopped. And misses it. For a Christmas gift 2020, I had her 30 yr old Artley clarinet serviced and regulated, bought 10 2.0 reeds, and a study book tk get her going again. She said it was the best Christmas present ever. Then I sat down with her and coached her for an hour. Started with the basics, 5 long notes G - C. I was stunned at her tone quality. 25 years later. . . . blown away. She played until she dropped. She had tears of joy and delight that I have not seen ever. I think I had tears as well. Now I'm in trouble. She wants ME to teach her clarinet. What do I know?. So searching for a good tutor I came across this teaching tutor series. I can use my many years of music in brass and piano as a background and interpolate thjs for her benefit. I have become the 1 on 1 teacher to reset her life for the better. And I have also learned stuff as well that can apply to the horn. I send her links of course, but this coaching has made both of us better people. Hmm, I'm might be tempted to take up the clarinet. Nahhhhhhh. On second thought, there's one at a pawn shop nearby. . . . .No! banish the thought. but then again, I could learn another instrument besides my first love of the glorious horn. This is nuts. Painful. me a clarinetist. Cruel . . . .

[@lindaquinby5739]

I've been playing clarinet for 50 years. I love going back to the basics and doing "behind the scenes" exercises. Thank you so much for your videos!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Linda. Thanks for the kind words.

[@barbaraaddison3009]

Hi Michelle, Thank you for this warm-up. Am I your oldest fan at 72? I started the clarinet 2 years ago and began lessons late last year - just when I was developing macular degeneration and with chest problems. I get help with the eye prob. and clarinet has helped me thru bereavements and rejections. THANK YOU I LOOK FORWARD TO LISTENING TO YOUR TUTORIALS from Scotland.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Barbara. Thanks so much for your comment. I am so glad that clarinet playing is bringing you some joy. Music really is good for us. I have some members of the Clarinet Mentors Community who are well into their 80's, so you have a ways to go before you win the "oldest fan" title. Just imagine how well you will play then! Best of luck with your clarinet endeavours.

[@colleenvanderhoek3784]

Barbara. No you aren’t her oldest fan. I will be 74 in May and started clarinet 5 years ago after a lifetime on piano. I also have lung problem and bereavement but the beautiful sound of the clarinet rises above it all. And Michelle’s videos are so inspirational each morning, Good luck to you with your Clarinet!

[@thatboydaniel6655]

@@colleenvanderhoek3784 So this age thing is a life long thing? "Ha I'm older than you." Charming I really mean it.

[@oleflogger6828]

I, too, are a fan, fer shur. I are 77 y.o.(!) last week.

[@kayepatchett452]

I don't believe it! I started my practice using the worksheet, and the improvement was dramatic, the first time. I've played for 5 years and despaired of ever sounding better. Michelle, you are an amazing teacher. Thank you!!

[@ClarinetMentors]

That's great! Imagine how you'll sound after doing this for a couple of weeks! Odds are when you were playing this slowly, you really had time to focus on your best habits. The goal is for that to carry over to our other playing when our brain is occupied with notes and fingering.

[@helenmhb]

I have done this warm-up for two days--about 20 minutes each time-- and after the second time, I was quite surprised (and pleased) at how much better my tone is. Such good feedback will keep me at this warm-up!

[@helenmhb]

The "twenty minutes each time" was set off by hyphens, not struck through. I really did it for twenty minutes!

[@ClarinetMentors]

That's great Helen! I notice a difference on this one fairly quickly as well.

[@sarahchaprobin32]

I did this scale exercise for the first time today and it was good ... but then I decided to up the challenge stakes and try arpeggios using the same idea - wow! What a difference in even one session. It helped me really smooth out the interval leaps and also helped me improve the quality of my high altissimo notes beyond anything I have tried before. I will definitely be doing this more!

[@tomwest9857]

I am an Eastman grad from a long, long time ago. I still play and your videos have helped me refresh my memory and squash some bad habits that do creep up over the years. My focus is Swing and New Orleans Jazz..but Classical is always lurking not far behind in the shadows. Thanks again, Tom

[@uooqij2998]

I need to improve my tone in 2 hours 🤧🤧

[@jigglewiggle7793]

Uooqij me too but I have a playing final tmr and I’m not ready at all lol

[@xtarssgi5922]

Speed velocity x2

[@owenx3811]

@Uooqij this is so relatable wow :O

[@mmmmkay4773]

For real! 😆😆

[@serenityschaffer3402]

Thats sad well, I hope you can do it by then keep improving your skills on whatever instrument you have! Hang in there and watch more videos to help you.

[@melaniedoran2329]

Took lessons from Ist chair Atlanta Symphony in High School. I got my Bachelors in Nursing, but played with my church orchestra. After twenty years, I am staying again. Love your videos! Thank you!

[@ootlattle5450]

This is great, adding a recent comment to toy with the algorithm and have it send more of your content my way.

[@ootlattle5450]

Toying with the algorithm again I see….

[@MRehbergSchoenhoff]

Thank you for this great and very helpful video. I am working with your videos every day and my skills on the clarinet have really improved. Michael, Berlin, Germany

[@JSWilliamssr]

Thank you, Michelle, for the tip on the abdominal muscles. I have always done quite the opposite, so I will try pushing out instead. I do this exact same exercise on saxophone and it works very well in developing good tone!

[@berylhoughton9776]

Thank you for your practical enthusiasm. Inspirational!

[@jawadalam4409]

shouldve subscribed sooner. the best mentor for clarinets on youtube!

[@LtMashumaro]

I agree! I wish I would have discovered her while I was still in high school and playing my clarinet regularly.

[@fulfillkhongkiang2513]

I play the alto sax and I have been learning the clarinet for 4 consecutive days now. I love your lessons.

[@hilarygreenfield4514]

Hi, I started playing the clarinet years ago when I was a teenager. I would be a much better player if there had been this sort of internet instruction in those days. However, it's never too late to improve, so thank you. Hilary. Devon, England.

[@jackh.9760]

No need to tell everybody where you live

[@austin7]

Thank you for this amazing video! I have been told this exercise before but I never understood the importance of it, but you explained it very well.

[@billrush5394]

Thanks Michelle.... I just picked up the clarinet a couple of months ago.... I did take a month of lessons but due to the cost I’ve been watching your videos instead... they have been a great help... thank you sooo much....

[@lorenwoodson9164]

Another helpful video. Thanks Michelle!

[@lunabeann]

Thankyou Michelle you are a great help!

[@ginettegibeault1755]

Thank you so much Michelle I will try this exercise .

[@ClarinetMentors]

I really believe in this one. I've had several people write to me with success on this on already.

[@thatweirdguywhostalkspeopl1908]

Been playing for over a decade, now, and i’ve been stagnating in my progress for the past three years, mainly due to lack of practice and being unable to apply more high-level concepts. (I can never get my fingers to stay close to the clarinet, my mouth shape is wrong no matter what I do, and same goes with my jaw shape. I’ve been frustrating my clarinet teacher for so long I’m looking for exercises that can help me with those basics) Gonna try your exercises tomorrow! Thank you for the resources :D

[@bizclarity7621]

I do long tones and range from as loud as possible to as soft as possible--while still keeping the note in tune. I needed your tips on playing softer so now I go even further. Excellent series! I'm re-learning clarinet after not playing at all for 50 years. When I was 16 I never knew there was so much to it.

[@ClarinetMentors]

I'm glad that you are enjoying these videos. I find that adults can gain many of their old skills back in just a few months, and have the advantage of understanding the "big picture concepts". I hope you are enjoying your clarinet.

[@Mrfarmlad]

I will give it a try.

[@jonathandollin8604]

Hi Michelle, thanks for your channel! Your content is fantastic and have found it very helpful in my own playing

[@sammyd8ful]

This video is definitely a pro tip. Some times I'll do this exact exercise with a tuner added so I can see where each note lies naturally (sharp, flat, in tune). But practicing this without a tuner will help your ear develope. Nice video

[@ClarinetMentors]

Thanks Samuel. Adding a tuner occasionally could be a great tool to add to this.

[@pookycat101]

This was very useful for my band practice during quarantine thank you!

[@danielirilarry]

All your videos are very helpful, thank you! In my case I`m trying to go from tenor sax to clarinet. I always loved this instrument but for many reasons I couldn`t try it before. Now I bought one student bb clarinet and I`m practicing everyday with enthusiasm, though sometimes I feel discourage because I find clarinet difficult in many ways. If you find some advise useful for me I`ll be very grateful. Thank you again!

[@raminology]

Thank you, dear Michelle your instructions are clear and elaborate.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Thanks for the kind words. I hope you are enjoying your clarinet these days.

[@flutemage2007]

Can't wait to try this :)

[@jodebord7780]

Gonna try it....

[@jonasomland2336]

Thank you so much for your amazing content :))) This video in particular really helped me.

[@michaelobrien5958]

Good stuff as always

[@anneliesklein3469]

Thanks Micelle and Samuel, i just bought a new clarinet and this exercise looks great for getting used to the slightly different position of the fingers and for the pitch. After 35 years i started last year on the clarinet ( i played from 8 to 18 years old). I have seen (i think) all your video's Michelle and they were a great help for picking up and playing the clarinet. So, thank you very much. Love your video's. ( sorry for mistakes, english is not my native language)

[@phillips.m.4895]

Kiaora :). Wouldn't it make sense to contract the diaphragm when breathing out as opposed to pushing the abdomen out? Diaphragmatic breathing.

[@RatPfink66]

Maybe its because you're Canadian, but I really appreciate your laidback, psychologically informed approach to teaching and practicing. American instrumental teaching is often too intense. It focuses on the task at hand to the point that there's no allowance for what is going on in the student's mind. You're on the professional track at every level past beginner. So if there is intimidation or guilt - too bad! The result is technically excellent, driven musicians with a kind of Stockholm Syndrome. Their musical identity is teacher-centered. I notice British musicians/teachers often have a more learner-friendly approach as well.

[@bentelutzer3271]

Thanks for your very helpfull videos. I have a question: do you tongue the notes

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Bente, In this exercise, I slur them. You certainly could add tonguing in as a variation, however.

[@bentelutzer3271]

Thanks a lot.

[@kayepatchett452]

When I play long tones getting louder and then softer, how do I avoid going way flat on the loud parts?

[@gameaddiction7731]

That's just a quirk of the instrument...if you play loud, your pitch drops. As far as correcting this,try tightening the embouchure and make sure your tongue is high in your mouth. Well--that's just my two cents at least.

[@melaniedoran2329]

Hi Kaye Patchett, watch get video on air support,or Clarinet tone Day two and three.

[@fireworks8422]

Hey Michelle, how do you work on your counting? I've always had problems with fast tempos.

[@nick-qu6tf]

Can you please play "His Honor" by henry filmore!! i have the sheet music if you need it. i have a chair test on september 12 so 😬

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Nick - I won't get around to that this week, but there are likely some great full band recordings available. That might also be available on Smart Music, which lets you play along at any tempo. There are many standard band works in their database.

[@nick-qu6tf]

+Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) ok thanks!

[@williamstravelvan]

Thanks,

[@brennelgoodluck6252]

Hello Michelle I'm a big fan of the clarinet and I'm looking into getting some online classes how best are you able to assist me

[@ElPalomodelaSierra]

Thanks

[@geralddombrowski6911]

I've been playing alto ,and tenor sax for 40 years and now i'm retired a decided to learn to play clarinet and when i play i cannot get my fingers set on the three keys properly because my thumb has to be bent down to reach the thumb rest, is there any thumb rest i can buy that will put my thumb rest in the proper position so my thumb lays on the thumb rest and my fingers are covering the keys in the right position ,in other words one that is long enough that will raise the position two inches higher than where it is located at the present time

[@pae913]

How much does this help with crossing the break if you decide to go two octaves? That seems to be my biggest problem right now when I play

[@johnplatt8076]

Clarinet Catato register slurs will definitely be helpful with the problem that you are facing. This one is just to help improve tones through all of the registers which is very useful and something that I need to do. You might be able to find the register slur exercise if you do a Google search. Hope this helps.

[@pae913]

+John Platt I've never heard of register slurs before, but I'll definitely try that, so thank you!

[@johnplatt8076]

No problem. Glad that I could help!!

[@stormlipscher824]

Would it be the same on the bass clarinet?

[@gameaddiction7731]

Yes.

[@beb0p858]

It's the same for all wind instruments

[@cazio8087]

I know that barrel has something to do with good tone

[@Hnmcl-l9z]

I know this is a year late but backun barrels aren't worth it tbh, i have 2, one cocobolo and one grenadilla and i switched over to a zoom barrel

[@isaiahd9947]

Its about the player though, not the equipment. She could probably sound just about as good on a cheap instrument as long as it's not broken

[@debramorgan3536]

Hi Michelle, I really enjoy your videos but I can't get the worksheet to download. It says it's not there. Has it moved?

[@martinkoehler4112]

Hi Michelle, pls let me ask YOU how you personally used it: - Did you use it only in the 1 octave range like on the worksheet (E0-E1 ... E1-E2) or in the higher ranges as well (B.Jackson goes up until G3) ??? - Jackson explains that his entire exercise lasts 35 minutes. I guess not many people will do this for 35 minutes every day ... Does speak anything against it to choose just certain scales (e.g. every minor third scale i.e. E0-E1, G0-G1, Bb0-B1 etc.)??? - Jackson recommends to add some variations after a while (e.g. dynamic variations) - good idea in your opinion??? - I tried it with Arpeggi and dimiinshed scales as well (of course always 8 notes) - good idea in your opinion??? - Let's say you have done it for 2 month every day 10-20 minutes and you achived a remarkable improvement. Would you continue and make it a part of your enduring daily routine??? Best regards from Japan - Martin P.S. Sea cruise delay is a pitty but understandable

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Martin, I have done the full version as Bil recommends, when I am practising for 3 hours or so in a day. When I was holidays, and not practising much, I committed to 20 minutes, and didn't leave a scale until I was really happy with it. I also did some arpeggios. It totally makes sense to adapt this to whatever scales/arpeggios/patterns you wish. The core principles work in a variety of ways. I am going to keep it in my daily routine for a while and see how it goes. I think by adding variations to it, it can continue to be a valuable part of my routine.

[@serenityschaffer3402]

How do u clean your mouthpiece my name is Serenity rose schaffer and I'm having trouble with making sounds and everything else to improve your skills on my Clarinet. How do I clean it and make sounds all there is is some sounds and air.

[@GogetaSuperSaiyan61]

Hey Michelle! Love your videos! With your help, I got second chair in the highest ensemble in my school. I was wondering you have any tips for the e flat clarinet. I have decent tone and my articulation is decent but I'd like to learn how to improve. Thanks!

[@gameaddiction7731]

Air, lots of it.

[@ClarinetMentors]

With Eb clarinet, the more you play it, the more comfortable you become. Since you will often be playing with flutes and piccolo (in band music), you will want to practise your higher notes in front of a tuner to figure out how your instrument responds. I have invented some of my own altissimo fingerings on my Eb. I personally use Bb clarinet reeds with the bottom chopped off (I use wire cutters) rather than commercial Eb reeds. I find them to provide a fuller tone. Some barrels (like the Backun) also are cut so that you can put full size Bb reeds on your Eb mouthpiece. A good mouthpiece can make a huge difference too. I hope that helps!

[@serdarhizal2349]

Hello Michelle, Thank you for great instructions. I have started clarinet almost 2 months ago and taking classes so far. Currently practicing on the chromatics and this exercise is very useful to work and build better on the tone and other basics. I just noticed that when you start your scale with E and go up, it looks like you are doing G flat instead of G and it still sounds like G. I am talking about your fingerings when you go thru from low E and arrive low G. (far as i know your fingering is G flat) Is there some other key i am missing to make it normal G? Thank you for your helpful videos. Loving it.

[@brianlittleton4714]

I'm not finding any of the links you refer to

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Brian - they are all in the description of this video. You may need to click on the "show more" button to find them.

[@festragonz89]

Hi Michelle, What is the clarinet are you playing? reeds, mouthpiece?? your videos are so usefull for me. Kiss from Spain!

[@JaeWiki]

Heyy Michelle, guess what?? I got first chair in band. I also want to know how to change pitches by not fingering that note?

[@gameaddiction7731]

Put pressure on you bottom lip to raise the pitch, or loosen you embouchure to lower it.

[@JaeWiki]

Thanks Game Addiction

[@brianlittleton4714]

Michele, been having a hard blowing clainet for about the last month? maybe reed stength?

[@ClarinetMentors]

That might be my first inclination. If it is a mechanical issue, there could be something leaking near the upper end of your clarinet (cork making a loose joint, pad not closing all of the way etc), or check your mouthpiece carefully where the reed goes on. If there is any kind of chip on it that can make it hard as well.

[@brianlittleton4714]

Thanks for your pointers and advise. going to have a professional look it iver

[@NiavlysImal]

Hello from France, what is the name or brand of your clarinet ? I like the design. Thanks

[@ClarinetMentors]

I have a Backun clarinet in grenadilla, with a cocobolo bell and barrel (MoBa).

[@bobsilverstein60007]

No doubt that this long tone exercise helps not just tone but also fingering. As a "reward", I add the next octave up above the final E scale and then come down all the way to low E.

[@ClarinetMentors]

That is a "reward" that will definitely add value to your workout. Good for you for having the patience to do that!

[@SeanFuller]

Thanks so much for your videos. The thing you are talking about with your stomach going out as you breath out is the first thing that you've said that I just can't come to terms with. When you push air out of your lungs, you are pushing your diaphragm upward and your stomach should be going in. I've been playing saxophone for 40 years now and my stomach goes in when I'm breathing out. I've been a runner longer than that and when you breath in your stomach goes out and when you breath out your stomach goes in. I've also been a practitioner of meditation and tai chi for many years and when breathing in your stomach should go out and when you breath out your stomach should contract because you are pushing air out of your system. You push air out of a balloon and the balloon shrinks. Maybe I misunderstood you. Could you correct me or explain why it is backward for a clarinet?

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Sean, It is true that if we breathe deeply, we "inflate" and it makes sense that as we exhale, we "deflate". However, there is a technic that seems to help create a faster, more supported air stream on clarinet that does involve pushing our muscles near the belly button outward as we blow. It does seem counter-intuitive. Not all clarinetists do it, but every single one of my favourite world-class players do. It may be worth experimenting with.

[@SeanFuller]

@@ClarinetMentors Thanks! I will definitely experiment. I can make myself do it. It feels so strange. LOL

[@hannahbanana2875]

michelle what reed should i use ????

[@ClarinetMentors]

The "right" reed for each person is different. However, these two videos will help to give you some guidance: What strength of reed should you use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHS9gZWcraZgqcU What brand of reed should you use? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5PbkmV6ZciDq7s

[@tanjungramadhan]

U talk to much mam,, 😁😁

[@cesarvallejolopez]

Which piece is the opening? Thanks!

[@ClarinetMentors]

That is the Mozart Kegelstatt trio for clarinet, viola and piano - Rondo mvt. This was from a live performance about 5 years ago.

[@musicalbrit3465]

Hi, any tips on counting polyrhythms, for example playing quarter note triplets in 4/4 (so 3 notes in 2 beats)? I can’t do it unless I start counting in minim beats, so it’s just 3 notes in one beat. I have to do this is a slow tempo soon, and it’s not practical to count every two beats at that speed. Can you help?

[@michellejernigan5890]

hi im on 2.5 now do think that to low for play the rose it will squeak !!!it put gather right...

[@gameaddiction7731]

I didn't realize you were a Backun Artist!

[@ClarinetMentors]

I am lucky enough to live in the same community as the Backun factory, and I have long appreciated the friendship of the Backun family.

[@cliftonjohnson9155]

Is there a mute for the C clarinet ?

[@cliftonjohnson9155]

What A number should I I should for the C clarinet with a Center Pitch CP10 tuner ?

[@redduck7666]

hi, my mom gave me 1200$ for buy a new clarinet ,can you prefer what best clarinet i must buy

[@redduck7666]

***** i have yamaha 255 , so i buy yamaha 450? thanks..

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi bebek - Sorry I missed this. There are lots of good clarinets out there. In that price range you can get a good intermediate wooden clarinet like the Yamaha, or Backun Beta, or Buffet or Jupiter. You may even find a used one in good condition. If you have a chance to play test some clarinets first, choose one that you like the sound of best.

[@redduck7666]

Clarinet Mentors (Michelle Anderson) ok thanks :)) , in my country is rare to find backun beta or jupiter , there just sell yamaha and buffet

[@harrw3168]

Very helpful for long tone study. Only issue is video too verbose.

[@y2kharmony]

Too verbose for some (maybe the more experienced) but for those of us who find a complete description helpful, she's doing fine. Actually, it saves her from having to give additional explanation later.

[@ariovaldoferrari6863]

LP

[@user-xn2zk9st1c]

It is not easy to play high notes while fingering

[@berylhoughton9776]

In response to the person in Scotland, no. I am eighty five ! Funny how the older you get you are more boastful!

[@sapereaude2470]

I like your videos, they are very informative but...they are too long! You repeat yourself too much and it's hard to pay attention for 18 or more minutes.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Thanks for the feedback. I have people telling me I have videos that are too long, and too short, and I speak too fast, and too slowly, and everything in between. The content is good content, but everyone has a different teaching style. Mine works for many people. If it doesn't work for you, I am sure there are sources out there that will work for you, and I encourage you to find them. I do stand by the content and teaching principals in my videos 100%, because I have seen them work for hundreds of people.