How To Fix Common Clarinet Tone Mistakes with Michelle Anderson

[@backunmusical]

What was your favourite tip?

[@rodiffinger7998]

The amount of mouthpiece in the mouth :)

[@annlisa07]

I'd have to say ALL of them. Thank you so much for sharing this!! I just started playing again after 19 yrs. I last played in high-school. This is going to help me. 😁

[@ptard7]

The amuunt of the mouthpiece

[@dragonflykites]

my band teachers have never taught me anything to do with posture or angle or anything. I’m so happy to finally learn these tips because it’s frustrating not knowing why you don’t have a good sound, thank you! Edit: I might need to get a stronger reed, I’ve been to 2.5 for 5 years and I check off all the signs its too soft 😬

[@James.D.B.]

Sadly some band teachers just don't teach that, thankfully I got someone who has his Doctorate for the first year and a half of highschool before moving

[@Leontinevanvliet]

This is actually very informative! I started playing 12 years ago and have just started taking lessons again after 5 years of not playing. I have basically always played on a 2.5 reed...I had no idea that my reed might be too soft haha. I need to upgrade!

[@lonelystatue2915]

Leontine van vliet yep, you definitely need a stronger reed

[@Zoco101]

Surely the reed size depends on the mouthpiece aperture too. I see that in modern music (non-classical) clarinetists often prefer a bigger aperture and a softer reed. But I am no expert on clarinets - I just work with a lot of clarinetists.

[@mauricebar552]

Mike Summers @

[@mubaraksenju7521]

Leontine van vliet bruhh I’ve been using 3.5 since the 2nd year I’m playing clarinet!! Couldn’t believe how u play on 2.5 reed. Change it dude!! 👍

[@isabellughhhhh2538]

So helpful! This is my 5th year playing the clarinet but I've had troubles sounding fuzzy after like 5 minutes of playing whatever. No one has really ever called me out on it so I don't know if it was that bad, but I started watching videos of other people playing the clarinet and realized that they sound a lot better than me (tone). I felt like with 5 years of experience I should probably sound better so I asked my teacher what I could do to sound better and she said to try a better reed brand and that helped a lot. But I still got a fuzzy sound! This video was very helpful because you actually showed examples of how it changed the sound and I thank you for that!

[@joel.ds.m]

Try getting a softer reed.

[@turtles10]

As 1st chair my goal is to get better myself and help everyone else get better

[@turtles10]

@DAVID MELLA me nine months ago worded that very poorly, I am surprised anyone could understand that. (This is why I rarely comment on videos, because I go back and critique myself) I am also much better than my teacher at clarinet, but he is a trombone player.

[@patrioticeagle577]

As the second clarient, I see that it's a struggle for first the clarinets... I appreciate your support sir 👏💯

[@xdjustice2669]

Richard Casillo OMFG SAME

[@fernie51296]

I recommend checking out the Clarinet BBoard. Lots of pro’s who really know what they are talking about.

[@MistyForest111]

@Richard Casillo every section needs a strong player sadly...

[@ethanweisman3577]

When you do the reed test from a 1.5 and get up to a 3.5... But a very helpful video it worked for me

[@geekvsworld]

Self taught clarinet player with it being my second instrument. Had a couple of issues, and this video seems to have wrapped it up perfectly! Only just purchased a stronger reed but think I need stronger still!

[@alissawanderoo2348]

Boi I play on a 3.5+ reed..... the airy sound is driving me insane

[@dolphi2319]

I play on 3.5 vandoren reeds

[@Blueberi4]

I play on 4 vandoren reed

[@fallpepper6902]

Omg same

[@DomainAspect]

Yes

[@pookycat101]

3

[@JoshuaTanzer]

This was very helpful for me as a beginner (not an educator) teaching myself at home during quarantine. Thanks!

[@backunmusical]

You're very welcome!

[@bobs8079]

OMG thank you so much, I've been having trouble playing the higher notes and I instantly was able to play all of them just by having more of the reed in my mouth

[@rmoraespinto]

In this internet era, many hopeful instrumentalists try to progress by means of watching videos on YT or buying digital courses. Certainly, videos and video-lessons may be a helpful means to learn. However, no digital interface replaces a good personal teacher. This video of yours is an example of how important a good teacher can be for the correct development of a student -- it is simple, well explained and clarifies such apparently simple issues that one does not get (from what I have watched on YT) except from a aptly teacher. Congrats!

[@walterwolansky9680]

Thank you so much that was so helpful especially looking down at your fingers I am playing looking straight ahead now and what a difference thank you so much

[@stephenselby4252]

These three tips improved my tone instantly!

[@ONORRImusic]

Clarinet is an amazing music instrument and your lessons are much more than welcome! So helpful! Many thanks!

[@stentorcoeruleus4835]

very high quality video, thank you! I'm a student and this has helped me a lot!

[@neilbrie8972]

Thank you, I started playing a reed instrument. And this video helps me to improve few things.

[@stab456]

oh my god I would have loved to have had her as a teacher. The looking down tip helps a ton, especially when using a lyre. Plus it makes marching difficult lol. edit- OH GOD AND THE REED THING. I WAS GOING NUTS WITH THAT. SCREW THIS 2 1/2!

[@backunmusical]

She offers online training at www.clarinetmentors.com thanks for watching!

[@hamilton6142]

This video was very helpful. I picked on most of these things from experience from playing the clarinet for the past few years, but it's amazing to finally hear someone just outright say them. Particularly in middle school, it always felt like I was guessing about what was wrong or what would help my tone. Now that I'm a sophomore in high school, I'm trying to help the freshmen get better tone. This explanation gave me the confidence to tell them the things I've picked up on. I've always been scared to teach them something wrong.

[@oscardakota2876]

That sound is very familiar! Thanks Michelle, this will help alot of kids in my classes.

[@richardlobo6121]

Ur a great teacher indeed!

[@sanaakeval1577]

Wow. Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

[@GUITARISTmbGaming]

This was amazing. Come from some one who was a low brass player and now trying to learn my winds. Thank you! 😊

[@backunmusical]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hampsterking9000]

the barrel looks so weird

[@kogasoulmate]

ikr

[@reichlinsmall9765]

Backun cocobolo (name brand & type of wood) barrel and bell, I believe.

[@mr_organ]

ikr

[@reichlinsmall9765]

@@mr_organ bought one for mine.

[@anastasjaamarillo2826]

Omg same fam same! Mood!

[@guitarrajesh4422]

The reed tip adjustment got me going ! Thanks Michelle

[@jan4052]

This was very helpful. I just started playing and was confused why sometimes my tone was quite good and other times muffled. I think I was putting my head down. That's a game changer! Thank you!

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

Thank you Michelle! This is very useful indeed!

[@owenlee9122]

thanks so much for this!! been assuming it's just my diaphragm for years!! Changed everything!!

[@antonioalvarezmarron9382]

Muy interesante la explicación y muy detallada. Muchas gracias por su tiempo.

[@peterperlmutter1676]

Thank you, Michelle. Long time player who never knew any of the tips that you offered. But they explained a lot of ideas that I was looking for!

[@CoolBoyGamer-gd9nz]

This is the video I need! Thank you so much for this!

[@jonathancolling2284]

Superb advice! Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙂

[@theconfederationofcubers]

Wow, I can't tell you how amazing this was! I was so mad because I just couldn't play above the staff (I'm a 3rd year player). Then I tried going farther down the reed and it instantly worked! Again, thank you so much!

[@RobSwindler]

I so appreciate your videos. Thank you!

[@cynthiatorges4161]

Thank you so much! The "fuzzy" tone was driving my son nuts, and your first tip took care of it.

[@ptard7]

Very useful. thank so much!

[@ThomasSantosCanal1]

Thank you I'm trying to teach my little brother a little bit since it's the teacher's vacation now(they come back im February) so I'm trying to teach some stuff since I already play, this video is very helpful i never thought about some of those details(maybe i did when i started years ago but forgot haha)

[@lemonsandwich.]

I started on a 2.5 reed and I'm still using it.

[@ambrosia3907]

Mistica M same

[@dinimahazir]

2 1/2 gang assemble!!!

[@gsco82]

Interesting video, good points. Another point about reeds is that they are not all created equal (when comparing brands) I used to avoid using Vandoren reeds as they are harder and don't break in easily. Now they are my reed of choice as I find them more consistent in quality, and longer lasting.

[@soapybanana8233]

This was very helpful! Thank you!

[@jacksync8713]

thank you Michelle, xx

[@laurafonville2734]

Great tips!

[@hannahasano2359]

loved this. thank you

[@dallen3000]

I'm actually playing a bass clarinet, but the tips still help. And reason I'm getting a super breathy tone? I'm still to inexperienced to know then the issues are either me, the reed , Reed placement, or the instrument itself.

[@calebvlogz8446]

I started on 2.5 Rico and now I'm on 3.0 in 7th grade (2nd year in band)

[@marieblackwood720]

Have you ever tried a different brand? Reserve reeds are really nice.

[@varietyvantasy]

Vandoren reeds work very well! Later on in high school, they will back off on using rico

[@calebvlogz8446]

@KZbinSucks Balls 🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼🖕🏼

[@CeciliaSerra]

Excelent!

[@imnumber1535]

Teach squidward

[@littlekernel]

Thanks! This is amazing

[@dyxploitation]

Amazingly useful. As a self-learner, your tips are just incredibly good. Thank you for this knowledge sharing!

[@DomainAspect]

Asia Bressan, your getting taught lol

[@amaiahj181]

Really helpful

[@christineha69]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@arnoldwegstern5124]

Very well explained. By the way a look should be taken at the Martin Schmidt-Hahn - clarinet- videos. He is playing a german system clarinet with a nice sound without any mouthpiece problems !!

[@yourlocalanimebxtch4198]

I just started play clarinets and this helped a lot!!!!!!!!

[@efabreu]

Is it bad that I started on a 3 strength reed ( I’ve been playing for over 4yrs)

[@melissamartinezdiaz6858]

It's not bad if you can maintain your tone quality. :)

[@averagehuman2987]

I made a mistake and started on a 4 strength reed not knowing what the numbers meant now i play on a 5 strength (I’ve been playing for 6 years)

[@mela1025]

Endless Summer. Official What do u recommend I play I started playing clarinet as a secondary instrument about a year ago(primary is trombone so it's rly different) and I only realized about a two weeks ago I need to switch from 2.0 to 3.0 About how long do u think I should play 3.0 before switching to higher reeds? I can hit into the upper altissimo range

[@turtles10]

@@mela1025 I would say about 1-2 years into playing clarinet if you already understand how to make a good sound (on clarinet) and how to make music overall or when you begin to reach above high F/G (3/4 lines above staff) reliably. (I have been playing almost 4 years, so I wouldn't know what to do after that.)

[@averagehuman2987]

Me La all I can say is that you should use it until it starts to feel soft and way too easy to play. Until then always practice getting a good tone and posture and don’t do it all at once like I did, take it step by step.

[@fluteplayervictoria4100]

Great informative video!

[@shawnkosa6143]

Not a teacher myself, but this stuff helped me instantaneously

[@giovanniconsoli9833]

Thanks, very clear!👍👍👍

[@thaixeon76]

thank you thank you!

[@khaki4493]

Guess who needs a 3 1/2 reed 😭

[@James.D.B.]

Man that's crazy, I might have to get new reeds as well, maybe 3s, because normally I use 2½s (for Bass clarinet), but I've started also playing Contra alto clarinet, which I use 2½s for as well, not sure if a harder bass clarinet reed is the solution to my sound getting a bit worse due to playing Contra Alto, I would love some feedback

[@ferny198]

I'm using a 3 1/2 reed rn, still trying to get used to it and get rid of all the airy sounds. Until the airy sound is gone, I'm gonna move onto to a size 4:/

[@DavidMartinez-wl8ml]

Yeah I know I need one

[@zomisintu]

That is very informative. where can I find that type clarinet? Model and made? Thank you

[@michaelshelley1289]

thank you....great video!! I learned a lot that I didn't learn 30 years ago. I play on a 2.5 reed, scared to go up any further. Not sure if i have the chops for it

[@fluteplayervictoria4100]

Perfect! Just what I needed!

[@tahadekmak]

Very useful video, what to to if the stiffer reed is making airy sound in the low notes?

[@tahadekmak]

@Zack Sullivan yes it worked like charm after 2 hours of using a stiffer reed but I think I have a tompone problem...

[@crisalf_]

Hi, I have a question. Is it right to have a size 3 reed and being in marching band? I have to play on the altissimo register so I switched to 3 just three days ago. I've been with the clarinet for 6 months but I learn pretty fast, and I don't know if for me is fine to have a 3, I think I can but is there any problem?

[@emilya6427]

Umm so I’ve been playing for about 6 years yet I’m still on a 2 Vandoren or 2 1/2 Rico. With anything higher, I can’t get sound out and it sounds airy so I struggle to play high notes. In this video, the reeds I play with are described as beginner reeds, yet I’m not a beginner. Any tips??

[@tracytracy4784]

Here's a few suggestions. First, make sure your clarinet is set up right and without air leaks by getting it checked over professionally. Are you able to get any clean notes at all on the stronger reed? It might be the case that your embouchure is tiring as you play, and if that is happening I'd suggest, when it does, stopping and concentrating on getting a single clean note (by 'clean' I mean without the airiness) before continuing. If you can't do this, and you haven't already been playing for a long period, it sounds like the reed might be a bit strong for you. Once your instrument is right, airiness pretty much comes down to the strength of your embouchure, in my experience. I believe Michelle has other videos on strengthening your embouchure. It is also worth trying a few reeds too, as some individual reeds are just hard to play. I played on a Rico 2.5 reed for many years before moving to something stronger, and when I started on a #3 I swapped between the 2.5 and the 3 quite frequently in my practice sessions, gradually strengthening my embouchure that way. But don't worry about sticking with the stronger reed if you just don't get on with it, the important thing is enjoying your music and making the best sound you can with your instrument. I hope this helps.

[@tamayawilliams358]

I play on a 2.5 reed and when i go for higher notes i have the same problem.😭

[@quentinm.williams9]

maybe you need a stronger reed or a different brand depending on your reed choice

[@youririnsema1148]

I recommend a stronger reed, what clarinet do you use

[@ella.travels]

Same here

[@ferny198]

You need a bit of a stronger reed. A senior told me that the stronger the reed is, the more easier(?) it is to reach higher notes. Obviously, you'd need to adjust your breathing and ambechure(?) to get used to the reed itself

[@angelcerda1222]

Adjusting your mouth to the mouthpiece and taking in more was very scary for me, but when I started doing it the sound quality became INCREDIBLY better

[@rosalynx9712]

This helped me so much thanks ❤️

[@juliabradley2290]

I’ve been playing clarinet for 2 years. It’s only for marching band and I’ve been taking a two week break. I’m here because I want to know how to improve.

[@arnoldwegstern5124]

Very nice. But take a look at Martin Schmidt-Hahn clarinet !!

[@aaliyahellington4088]

my clarinet sounds very airy and often squeaks when I do staccato notes. any tips for this?

[@kaylee1517]

aaliyah ellington try playing around with your embrocher. You could be pinching without realizing on the staccato and the more you pay attention to your embrocher the more it’ll help you fix those problems.

[@norat3691]

I agree with what the other response suggests but you could also try other reed types (like 3 or 3.5) to see if that helps

[@carlyrobison2651]

Since I play bass clarinet.. Its really hard to sound nice when I switch back. So if you switch between the 2 instruments is it better to have a 3 1/2? Because I have a 3 for my bass and you have to blow more for the bass so would I need a thicker reed?

[@Feeluck]

i'd be happy, when my notes would sound like this, even if its airy. when i play alone you hear it and it bogs me alot: it sounds like i was almost spitting into the mouthpiece, and i cannot get that sound smoother :/

[@QbanRockets]

I am an intermediate student. Would like to try Backun barrels for sound improvement. Which one you recommend? Thanks

[@MarlonOwnsYourCake]

OH MY GOD! HOLDING MY HEAD DOWN WAS THE PROBLEM THIS WHOLE TIME! I payed for 8 years and stopped for another 8 years occasionally picking it back up and never could figure out why I was always so airy!

[@shpkunky9732]

the first problem is very easy to fix as on sheet of sheet music could get them to look up

[@lizettepecina997]

My does my clarinet sound airy?

[@marcusdickerson3016]

You should review the new Dickerson Resonato ligature on ebay ansd Reverb - it's different

[@ZRob23523]

I’ve been playing for 2 years, and I just now realized that my ligature is on backwards. This entire time, I’ve had the screws on the reed side.

[@seranraven8030]

Wait what? ! Isn’t it suppose to be like that

[@haydenspencer4589]

@@seranraven8030 yeah but in some cases there are backwards ligatures but those are expensiveeeeee. not all ligatures are supposed to be like, so yeah they supposed to be on the reed side just depends though

[@ZRob23523]

For mine at the time, it was one of the leather ones where the screws were supposed to be opposite the reed.

[@Eli-lk9gy]

I have a weird buzzing sound and don’t know how to get rid of it

[@backunmusical]

Uh oh! In this instance it is probably best to take your clarinet to a professional repair technician. Good luck!

[@onlylonelystars9268]

I like your clarinet! I have a Buffet E11, what model(s) is yours? (I assume the barrel and bell are not from the same company, as they're differently colored.)

[@sam45354]

What's the best way to get more of a Jazzy tone or sound on the Clarinet?

[@BandieDiamanda]

this was a super helpful starting point in helping my student get better tone, it's so hard to put into words myself :)

[@bobbysykesjr.354]

Great tips on reeds and positions! Thanks

[@Invert_Scrub]

What would the disadvantage be of putting a beginner on a reed too hard? Especially if they seem to be able to make a sound?

[@carlnikolov]

How do you keep the low E key (alternate right hand fingering for the note B above the break) from "barking"...... I heard this can happen when your lowest two pads arent evenly pressing on the tone holes.

[@nightcorenerd19]

I started sax for this school year but when I go back to clarinet I notice that I'm putting A LOT of pressure on my top teeth, to the point where they start to hurt. Any tips on how to stop this?

[@katiek8899]

The best thing I can think of (besides googling it) would be to make sure you spend plenty of time practicing correct embouchure on the clarinet, an not too much of one or the other. I had this issue earlier this year when I went from Alto Sax to Clarinet, and forgetting to practice my dominant instrument definitely took a toll on my sound--and my jaw!--so it pays to always keep working on your embouchure. :)

[@viviannoah8039]

Jenny J-P chill

[@reichlinsmall9765]

There's never a need to over bite on *either* instrument. I would practice playing with a looser grip (not too loose, just looser) on both for about five minutes of scale playing, paying special attention to it, and then go about the rest of your practice day; gradually increase the amount of time that you do a looser grip embouchure, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and so on. You'll find a happy medium that will work for you. I used to get cramps in my embouchure from doing the same thing until I found a way to stop.

[@marselmusic]

@@goodvibez6455 theres a time for that but clearly not now!

[@user-sd6rg5ch7u]

G O O D V I B E Z bruh 😂😂

[@ericblachman232]

Is there anywhere online where a person can hear you play an entire piece?

[@micromusic3307]

My reed is a 7c. I'm a trumpet.

[@CrazyAzN4169]

😂😂

[@islaroses2547]

I don't even play the clarinet and this is fascinating.

[@Cwest2mi]

Wait, people are supposed to learn the higher register in 2 years! My teacher had us master it at two months!

[@plaguedoc7727]

1:26 well, at least we finally know how to do the glissando on the clarinet now.

[@kaybhee6]

dig it... nice

[@fiveminutefridays]

really appreciate this! I just recieved a clarinet from a neighbor literally today and am trying to self-teach (only music experience was a few years of flute back in elementary/middle school way back when) and I found my tone sounding a little off in a way I couldn't place. Only advice I found for a while was regarding how much mouthpiece was in the mouth but it wasn't clicking. I'm now suspecting its more of an angle problem, but as I've packed up the instrument for the day, i'll have to wait til tomorrow to check for sure! now if only i knew what number reeds came with this thing XD

[@peggyschrabeck5236]

I have a question that neither you nor anyone has addressed yet,I want to know about the palate/sinus air leaks that I hear in my head when I am playing clarinet. I want to know if other people can hear them or only I can hear them & how I can get rid of them

[@bassclariphonist6873]

When the band teacher tells you (1st chair) to work with the beginners in another room... ugh so many bad habits lol

[@emsi..]

Now I know what the grade 8 kids are saying about us grade 6 students

[@thommussy7876]

What should i do if some notes sound very spitty. When playing a C major scale from about e to middle c it sounds very spitty. The 2nd octave sounds find but the 1st octave sounds very spitty. What should i do ?

[@nestleios5453]

It came from a brown case call buffe I think don't know plus I loved the edvice

[@thinkharder2028]

Hmm...famous jazz players don't know this....and get good tone at "wrong" angle. PS it's mostly your tongue position that changes your pitch. That said...yes I agree your preferred position is my preferred position....for classical tone.

[@lbspartyhouse8265]

Okay...I can change the note/pitch and sound, from the mouthpiece and barrel alone (I can play a song with just these sometimes), so I want to know if anyone else can change the notes on command like that.

[@bleh9888]

Is it normal to get light-headed while playing if you're a beginner?