How To Play Clarinet: Do you have these 4 bad habits? (Here's how to fix them...)

Michelle Anderson, founder of Clarinet Mentors, (www.learnclarinetnow.com), presents a video on four common bad habits that clarinetists fall into, and how you can fix them. She will demonstrate the common problems you may experience, and how to recognize them in yourself. This is a follow-up to the video called How To Play Clarinet: Do you have these 5 bad habits? (Here's how to fix them...) • How To Play Clarinet: ... .

[@brendareed8412]

Thank you for another useful video!

[@lbustamantea]

Michelle, thank you so much for this videos, they are very helpful. they mean a lot to me as well.

[@gibas79]

Hi Michelle! I just want to say I really enjoy your classes! They are really helpful and clear. Great job indeed!

[@paulslater5979]

thank you once again for a wonderful video!
naomi

[@AbbeyCatastrophe]

Thank you so much for doing these videos, they really mean a lot to me.

[@JAMENSAH96]

Thank you!

[@apaschal6141]

Michelle, you are an excellent teacher. I have applied what I´ve learned from you in my own playing, as well as in my teaching. It´s a little late, but HAPPY 2015!

[@ClarinetMentors]

Thanks! I hope your band is doing well down south!

[@winks478]

Thanks for the alarm going off when we are approaching a difficult measure.That is exactly what happens.Now when I see it I say to my self relax and it worked it was just 8- 24th notes out of the whole piece I was terrified of messing up which I messed up repeatedly. When all I had to do is tell myself relax.

[@firstofficermr1]

Thank you for that air speed/biting test technique, I had never heard that before and really appreciate it. :)

[@ClarinetMentors]

Saxophonists usually use neck straps. They are helpful to many clarinetists (although some will call you a "wimp" for using one). Personally, I think it helps to balance the clarinet, and makes my technic feel smoother. I do recommend them. - Michelle

[@brianlittleton4714]

Your very intuitive, I'm experiencing those at times, just seem like it takes about 10 minutes to get these out before I can really begin to play. Yes I'm still blowing notes.ha ha

[@aapezel]

A neck strap is probably also a good safety net. I think I'll try using my alto sax strap on the clarinet. As I am new to the clarinet, it is unlikely to feel odd for long. Would the strap be set at a length such that the clarinet is almost in one's mouth if one lets go of the clarinet (like the saxophone)...?

[@MayerHonza]

hi would you please make video about how to do a gliss on clarinet?

[@vef8790]

Thank you! I was trying to figure out what I was doing wrong and i'm biting more than I should on the high high notes ...
Also my little finger has a mind of its own but that's one that's already known (tends to stick out for some weird reason... )

[@MichaelRpdx]

Hi Michelle, That G# fingering to diagnose biting/weak air is fantastic. Do you have other diagnostic fingerings?

[@ClarinetMentors]

***** Not really. That is my favourite. I learned it from Bil Jackson, who is a superb teacher. The closest other thing is blowing overtone scales, and seeing if someone can play an entire C scale in the high register, without using the register key. This video covers that a bit: ruclips.net/video/ZaeJU0xUdCM/видео.html

[@MichaelRpdx]

ThankYouThankYou.

[@ClarinetMentors]

Yes - Everyone adjusts it for their own comfort level, but it would be the same concept as on saxophone. Hopefully yours will be short enough to work on the clarinet.

[@Tantail]

Would the reason I can hear my breath through the clarinet behind a note be what you say about not having 'fast air'? [I'm a beginner] For some reason I can't seem to play deeper notes either, I'm not actually getting any sound at all, or really struggling to get one.

[@mohamadaldawada9836]

Thaaaaaaaanks❤️❤️

[@mikeruiz919]

i need help, when i play a high note, sometimes i squeak while playing it i mean just a small squeak but i did the right air but it just sqeaks

[@ClarinetMentors]

Hi Mike. Those tiny squeaks (usually right at the start of a note) can indicate that you are "biting" on the reed a bit. If it happens more when you are tonguing than slurring, you may be moving your jaw a bit. You can counter this by bringing the corners of your mouth in more actively. This video might help you to check this: ruclips.net/video/a2TUGyTslUM/видео.html

[@brendareed8412]

I have large hands and long fingers. My fingers cannot make gentle curves. Short of amputation, am I doomed to mediocrity? What do you say to your students who don't have well shaped hands?

[@bjk3697]

Your video is beatiful like you