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| How Difficult in Learning Clarinet |
Producing a good sound on the clarinet is the first step in learning the instrument. This is not a difficult proposition if the student starts with good, basic equipment, and of course a competent teacher to explain the embouchure (how to shape the mouth to hold the mouthpiece) and the workings of the instrument.
When looking at the clarinet, it may appear a daunting task to learn because of the number of keys on the instrument. However, learning one key at a time, at a reasonable pace, helps to make the process of learning understandable.
A young player may be able to learn at a fast pace with 20 to 30 minutes of practice per day. If the student has some recognizable songs to learn and recordings to listen to, his or her interest and ability should increase very quickly.
Some of the key things to work on are your breathing, dexterity, sound quality and rythym. The following tips will help you improve your skills:
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| 1. Breathing Exercises |
It is always best to begin by doing some breathing exercises. Breathe in and out slowly, and see how long you can breathe out. Form your embouchure as you breathe in and out to simulate playing the clarinet. Always breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Your tummy should rise as you breathe in, to allow more space for your lungs to expand, therefore holding more air and allowing you to breathe out longer. Beginners usually take a breath after every four measures in a musical piece, advanced players can usually wait longer. |
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| 2. Holding Your Clarinet Correctly |
Curve your hands slightly and place the soft pads of your fingers over the holes. Keep your left thumb close to the register key as it covers the hole underneath it completely.
Most of the weight of your clarinet should be supported by your right thumb. It is important that your right thumb supports most of the weight otherwise you will not be able to place the pads of your fingers into the holes correctly. |
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| 3. Your Embouchure |
Fold your bottom lip over your bottom teeth, with the reed downwards inside your mouth. Gently place your top teeth on the top of your mouthpiece. Keep your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Do not bite on the mouthpiece.
Keep the corners of your mouth tight. Practice this until you can obtain a steady sound. Try to find a comfortable position as you play. Try out different lip pressures, teeth positions until you obtain a clear steady tone. |
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| 4. Troubleshooting |
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If you are having problems with your sound, check to make sure your reed is not damaged. If so, replace it. |
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If you are having trouble placing your fingers on the clarinet, make sure all the parts of your clarinet are positioned correctly. |
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If the sound is muffled or air doesn't seem to flow through your clarinet,
make sure there is nothing trapped inside your clarinet such as your
cleaning rod. |
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If it becomes difficult to assemble your clarinet, then apply some cork and neck grease to the clarinet. |
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| 5. Take Care Of Your Clarinet |
Clean your clarinet after each use, inside and out. Beginners may have to clean the inside of their clarinet several times during a practice session.
Check to make sure all the keys are functioning properly and that none are loose. keep the screws on the keys tight, but not so tight that they won't work. |
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| 6. Miscellaneous Tips |
Keep working on your skills even if it seems difficult. You will eventually notice a difference even if you sound like a bus at first.
Listen to recordings of clarinet music to give you inspiration and an idea of what it should sound like.
Work on difficult passages until you can play them with ease. If you become too frustrated, take a break and play something easier. Remember to always go back to the difficult passages.
Practice at least one or two hours a day if possible.
Record yourself playing your clarinet and play it back to check your sound quality, and your rythym.
Have a fellow clarinet player practice with you. This way you can offer encouragement to and receive feedback from him/her.
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How To Overcome Nerves When Performing
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First impressions are important.
Wear something appropriate and comfortable for the performance. Check your body language. Look and feel confident from the moment you walk out on stage. When you walk to the piano, stand up straight and smile at the audience. Take your time getting to the bench and bow in the middle of the stage.
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Adjust your bench before showtime.
If possible, don't do this in front of your audience. When you sit down, you should be ready to go.
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Choose to perform a piece in front of an audience that is slightly under your top ability.
Don't pick something that you can't perform with ease when you are a little bit nervous. Choosing something under your ability and performing it well will be a continual confidence builder as you perform again and again.
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Nerves are good. Controlled nerves are better.
Begin your piece just slightly slower than what you think is the "normal" tempo. Your heart will be racing, so do a quick check-in on the tempo in your mind before you start. If anything, you can pick up the pace, so start a little slower so that you can catch your breath.
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Take a deep breath before you hit the first note.
Your oxygen intake is important!
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Think about something personally meaningful to you when you perform.
Don't focus on the mechanics of the piece. If you are well-prepared, you won't have to think about the actual piece itself. So, think about something pleasant and personally moving to you so that you will play with comfort and ease.
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Practice, practice, practice.
The most important tip is to be over prepared. You should be able to perform the piece in your sleep! If you are over prepared, you will be as confident as you can possibly be.
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Exit the stage the same way you entered.
First and last impressions are important.
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