Mouthpieces, reeds, technique and repertoire, written by clarinetists for clarinetists.
Clarinet long tones are the simplest way to build a centered, in-tune sound. Learn how to play them correctly, a 10-minute daily routine, common mistakes, and how to use long tones to test reeds and mouthpieces.
Players & Repertoire Copland Clarinet Concerto: A Player’s Guide to the Piece
Copland's Clarinet Concerto, written for Benny Goodman: its history, a section-by-section guide, practice tips, recordings and editions, and the right setup.
Reeds Synthetic Clarinet Reeds vs Cane: Which Should You Play?
Synthetic clarinet reeds vs cane: how they differ, how Légère, Venn and Fibracell compare, how to pick a synthetic strength, and a…
Barrels, Ligatures & Accessories Clarinet Barrel Length: How to Choose 64, 65, or 66 mm
How clarinet barrel length affects pitch, which barrel sizes are common (64, 65, 66 mm and half sizes), why pulling out too…
Technique & Tone Clarinet Throat Tones: How to Fix a Thin, Stuffy Sound
Why clarinet throat tones (open G, G#, A, and Bb) sound thin, stuffy, or out of tune, and how to fix them…
Mouthpiece Guides Vandoren Clarinet Mouthpiece Chart: Tip Openings & Facings
Vandoren clarinet mouthpiece chart with published tip openings and facing lengths for the 5RV Lyre, M13 Lyre, B45, BD5 and more, plus…
Practice & Performance Clarinet Etudes: The Best Etude Books by Level
A practical guide to clarinet etudes: the classic etude books by level, from Rubank and Rose to Baermann, Uhl, and Cavallini, plus…
Technique & Tone Clarinet Vibrato: Should You Use It and How to Practice It
Do clarinetists use vibrato? Learn where clarinet vibrato fits by style, how jaw vibrato works, a metronome practice routine, and how your…
Care & Maintenance Cracked Clarinet: Causes, Prevention, and Repair Guide
Why wooden clarinets crack, how to break in and protect a new clarinet, how to spot a crack early, and what repair…
Technique & Tone Clarinet Glissando: How to Play the Rhapsody in Blue Smear
Learn how to play a clarinet glissando like the Rhapsody in Blue opening: the voicing behind it, a step-by-step practice plan, common…
Clarinet Family & History Clarinet vs Saxophone: Key Differences and Which to Learn
Clarinet vs saxophone explained: bore, range, fingerings, embouchure, mouthpieces and reeds, which is easier to learn, and tips for doubling on both.
Players & Repertoire Mozart Clarinet Concerto: A Player’s Guide to K. 622
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, K. 622: its history, the basset clarinet, a movement-by-movement guide, practice tips, recordings to study, and the right setup.