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The hardest part of starting on the clarinet is setting everything up. It takes a while at first, but after a few weeks you should be able to get everything put together in no time at all. Hopefully I've had a chance to show each of you how to make a good sound on your clarinet mouthpiece by now. Make sure to practice all of the things below every day and watch the videos if you need any help. Send me a message on Google Classroom or an email if you're having trouble!
- Putting your barrel, mouthpiece & reed together
Before you can start even making a sound on your clarinet, you need to know how to properly put together your mouthpiece, barrel and reed. Watch the video review the steps. Take your time and don't skip any steps!
Follow these steps:
Put the thin side of the reed in your mouth with the flat side on your tongue while you do step #2.
Twist the mouthpiece and barrel sections together so they connect all the way. Apply some cork grease to the cork if this is very difficult.
Lay the flat side of the reed on the flat side of the mouthpiece (thin side of the reed facing the tip of the mouthpiece)
Loosen the screws on the ligature a little and gently place the ligature over the reed
Adjust the reed slightly so the tip is exactly in line with the top of the mouthpiece
Tighten the screws on the ligature
Watch this video to learn how to put your mouthpiece together.
The different parts of the clarinet
2. Making a sound on the mouthpiece & barrel
2. Making a sound on the mouthpiece & barrel
Now that you've put together the mouthpiece and barrel, let's practice making a good sound. Watch the video to review. Follow all the steps below.
Follow these steps:
Create a "flat chin". You should firm up the corners of your mouth and press your bottom lip against your bottom teeth.
Open your mouth slightly and curve your bottom lip over your bottom teeth. Don't bring your lip in too far!
Insert the top 1/3 of the mouthpiece into your mouth at an angle (see the picture)
"Click" your top teeth firmly down onto the mouthpiece. You should feel it click and you shouldn't be able to wiggle the mouthpiece at all.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece like you're closing up a garbage bag. But don't squeeze too tightly.
Take a big breath and blow a strong, steady stream of air.
This video will show you how to make a good sound on your clarinet mouthpiece & barrel
This is what correct mouthpiece placement looks like. Make sure to keep your chin flat!
3. Assembling the entire clarinet
3. Assembling the entire clarinet
It's very important to put your clarinet together carefully. Make sure to follow these steps. If you are too rough or don't follow the directions, you will probably bend one of your keys! Watch the video to review how to assemble your entire clarinet.
Follow these steps:
Follow these steps:
Put your mouthpiece, reed and barrel together (instructions are above)
Slide your the lower section and the bell together:
3. VERY IMPORTANT! - Raise the bridge key before sliding the upper and lower sections together:
4. Make sure the top of the bridge is over the lower part of the bridge
5. Attach the mouthpiece & barrel to the top of the upper section
6. Make sure your reed lines up with the long key on the back
Watch this video to learn how to assemble your entire clarinet
Step 3: Raise the bridge key before sliding your upper & lower sections together
Putting the upper & lower body sections together is tricky. Make sure to press the keys shown above when sliding these sections together so don't bend anything on your clarinet.
4. How to hold your clarinet
4. How to hold your clarinet
If you played the recorder last year, the clarinet should feel very familiar. Watch the video to review how to hold your clarinet and review where your "home keys" are.
A few tips:
A few tips:
Keep your RIGHT thumb under the thumb rest
Your hands should be "C" shaped around the clarient with your fingers touching the keys.
Hold the clarinet at around a 35-45 degree angle (see the picture)
Sit upright and make sure your head is facing forward, not down
Watch the video to review your clarinet "home keys"
Watch this video to learn how to hold your clarinet
Hold the clarinet at a 35-45 degree angle
5. Caring for your clarinet
5. Caring for your clarinet
It's important to care for your clarinet by using your cleaning swab and applying cork grease when necessary. Watch the videos for more information.
Cleaning Swab: used to remove moisture from your clarinet when you finish playing it. Swab out your clarinet before you take it apart and put it away.
Watch this video to learn how to swab your clarinet
Cork Grease: use a small amount of this if you have trouble putting the sections of your clarinet together. Over time, this will get easier as the cork absorbs the grease and compresses.
This is cork grease. Please don't put this on your lips!
Watch this video to learn how to apply cork grease to your clarinet's corks
Work on these things every day this week. Try to spend around 15 minutes a day making good sounds, putting your clarinet together, holding with correct finger placement and cleaning. We'll start to play the full instrument next week!
Work on these things every day this week. Try to spend around 15 minutes a day making good sounds, putting your clarinet together, holding with correct finger placement and cleaning. We'll start to play the full instrument next week!
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