So You Want to Play Faster? The True Way to Faster Fingers on the Clarinet

[@QuickStartClarinet]

If you are still looking for some more really helpful advice to play fast notes confidently then check out this excellent video that I fully agree with by Jack Howell: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5-zl32aiNiNg6csi=AkEWSZT2g4wK1ho1

[@zathrasnotzathras9435]

Good advice, Josh. Well done on the editing. I think it helps keep the viewer more focused and engaged on videos that are predominantly talking. It’s easy to zone out sometimes. The editing provided something of a visual hook.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for the feedback!

[@mayryan6576]

I feel this video was made especially for me. I really suck at sleep, so I've been trying different sleep strategies - exercise / stretching, brown noise, no screen scrolling before bed, no caffeine after 12pm, etc. Thanks for covering this, because I'm trying to follow everything else you're preaching, and I know sleep is definitely key in this formula.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

Yes, it is so important! I just recently watched this really great video on how to sleep better that might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJjOnaisjLWgm7ssi=Y-Pp4KmyNsTbiNOv

[@jasonbrummett313]

This video is very helpful. I like how you explained this from a neurological angle. I'm going to give this a try as I prepare for my next concert.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

I'm glad it was helpful. Let me know how it works for you!

[@kharmaviv]

Great video! Wonderful explanation of the connection with the brain and fingers, and how one (without being aware) can practice their mistakes. I usually play things very slowly, and in time the speed comes naturally. I am in no way a fast player. When I think more precise and work the music in smaller snippets, helps me. After weeks of practice, my speed increases closer to the tempo of the music I'm learning (which is a medium tempo for me). I do wonder if natural ability is a part of it. My son does not seem to have any trouble (with his instrument) learning and playing fast passages. When we play together, it takes me several weeks, even months to play up to tempo.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

That's excellent, and it sounds like you are practicing exactly the way you should! I generally don't believe in natural ability or "talent". I think there is some evidence for things coming faster if a student started learning before or around age 8 and the information and coordination got into their childhood brains. However, I don't think there is a limit to people that didn't have that it just might take a little longer. On the other hand there is also good evidence that children learn faster in general. Under the age of 25 or so our brains have more plasticity and can myelinate faster. The process is the same for your son, I think it just soaks into his brain faster.

[@CindyBartz]

Thanks Josh, another similar technique is after your practice take 10-15 minutes to relax. Find a quiet place, liedown or sit with eyes closed, focus on your breath/meditate.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

Yes, that's great! I forgot to mention in this video, but there is actually some really interesting research about micro breaks too where even just pausing for 30 seconds after doing something well helps it to sink into the brain.

[@sherryreid6163]

Great video

[@QuickStartClarinet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@QuickStartClarinet]

For any regular viewers, let me know what you think of the more elaborate editing!

[@jgfaustus]

I like it. A bit of text or diagrams makes it easier to focus on and remember the main points.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

@jgfaustus Perfect! That was the goal!

[@stefanturk7157]

Hello. I play 3 years on clarinet and i noticed a big problem while playing the clarinet. My neck starts to puff, veins start to appear on my neck, and little by little I get redder and redder on my neck and face and I have to stop playing. I watched dozens of videos but I couldn't find any reason and no explanation of what this is. These days I read on the internet that the problem can be "static air in the lungs(or stale air)", that is, I give all the oxygen in me but there is still half of the air (CO2) left in me, the brain, the head and the neck remain without oxygen, and then I turn very red, neck veins start to appear, and its painful. I reach such a stage that Im like smothered and i have to I take a 5 minute break. I can also say that I have a feeling that I want to give all the air out of me. Please if you can help me somehow, like what im doing wrong.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

It is actually good for the neck to puff out a bit if it is from opening your throat and turning red isn't the end of the world. However, if it is painful or uncomfortable that definitely isn't good! It sounds like you aren't letting enough air get through the instrument. You are blowing into a nearly stopped clarinet either because you are putting too much embouchure pressure on the reed or it is too soft and your air support is closing it off. It may seem like the solution of not enough air getting through the instrument would mean to blow more air or harder, but that will actually cause things to pinch off even more and make it harder. Instead, really think about relaxing the embouchure and opening the jaw to allow the reed space to vibrate, and then you can actually probably blow a little more gently. Think of a narrow, focused, fast, and steady stream of air rather than just blowing really hard. I hope that helps!

[@czolgobizon]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqmWhmlqfr15hbssi=oPDAqhVVyFqe_sgK In this video Huberman said that making mistakes is what make your nervous system more „plastic” so you can improve in skills such as playing on instrument. I thought it might be interesting to you.

[@QuickStartClarinet]

Ya totally!