Image Credit You may already know the main factors involved in producing a good clarinet tone: equipment, voicing, and air. But if you will allow me, I’ll elaborate on the subject to highlight important points often overlooked, such as the…
Thanksgiving Week well wishes, plus practice update and professional plans for next year
Image Credit Hello y’all. Here’s wishing you a peaceful and grateful Thanksgiving! (not only for the US folks but for all readers) I am blessed w plenty in my life; health, security, family and a rewarding career in music (if…
Clarinetists, how much mouthpiece to you take? Let’s open that can of worms and elaborate.
I take very little mouthpiece. Perhaps 1/4 of an inch. I tried for years to “take more” with some good effect, but also causing tightening my jaw, an untenable habit. Then I realized the amount of mouthpiece taken is not…
Clarinet Tone Talk 9: Pearly Tone?
Image Credit Perhaps you have heard the phrase “pearly technique”. What about using that word to describe clarinet tone? Pearly Tone. How would that sound? Pearly implies roundness, shimmer and depth of tone. It also implies a tone which stays…
Body/Breath Awareness – 7th in Series: 7 Musical Intelligences
Image Credit Body/Breath – Part 7 of the Series on 7 Musical Intelligences We have arrived at the last in the 7 Intelligences Series – that of the Body and Breath – perhaps the most important skills of all. I…
Fresh Ideas for Classical Music: Can style replace quality content in music performance?
Image Credit James Rhodes From a mental ward to classical music’s new star – News, Classical – The Independent. Last March James Rhodes became the first classical pianist to be signed by a major rock label. Next month, he will…