10/21/23 Dear Michelle, I have watched your free videos on Improving High Notes, Clarinet position, and Finger Technique. I consider myself and advanced intermediate player, but I have not played for many years. Your clarity of step-by-step instruction and demos are most helpful. Thank you!! You are a talented teacher, and I imagine a talented performer too. 👍Doug
Your videos are so helpful!!! I learned to play clarinet in school and there was no one who really played it so they couldn't really correct us and now I have most of these bad habits and sometimes I had such a hard time playing, but with your tips it got so much better.
This is the same correct way to hold fingers n piano. we call it the pinch and never break knuckles - fingers move less easly so slight curve is best hand for most finger movement on any instruments! thanks so much for this !
As an over-50s brass player who has just bought a cheap clarinet out of curiosity, and who has degenerative musculoskeletal issues, I need to thank you for this clear and informative video. Even if I never take clarinet playing anywhere, even if it just remains an occasional dabble, I feel it is important to start the correct way. I could definitely see myself slipping into bad habits just from knowing no better, using a few random google search results to teach myself to play. Yours is the sort of video that might prevent me slipping into those habits. Thank you. Subscribed.
@@backunmusical afraid I'm likely to remain in the company of plastic CSOs for some time to come. I can't justify shelling out over £100 just on a barrel or ligature, let alone a full clarinet. I've no doubt that quality accompanies price, but I'm nowhere near the level yet where I could even spot the difference, let alone look after such an investment properly.
cool! Our school band has been playing for a year already and we didn't even get to learn any high notes, it ends up me learning all the hight notes on my own. it was very difficult in the beginning! my mom gaved me a piece to playing with some high notes. First I thought how is if humanly possible to move your fingers from low notes to high notes that fast 😂 But now I have been self-teaching for a while and I can switch between A and B easily! XD
i get problems crossing from.the A key to the clarion B and C, the sudden change in fingerings from only a finger to all is so suddem that I can't get the A and B to sound fluid
A couple of comments - A to B is a tricky fingering. Try the exercise in this video, and look in a mirror so you can watch your fingers. It can make a big difference to how smoothly you play. If your clarinet feels unsteady, there are some good clarinet neck straps available (BG makes a good one) that can help you feel more stable.
Very nice video with great information. I have been playing sax, clarinet, and flute professionally for 40 years and started on clarinet. In our day, 1960 at six years old, we had to start on clarinet then go to sax, then eventually flute. I get students who, when almost finished high school as sax players, wanting to go to college, and they have never played clarinet or flute. Practicing clarinet helps saxophone but it is my experience, sax doesn't help clarinet. It is really nice to hear someone with this expertise, explain these details so well. I have tried to find great clarinet tutorials for my students to follow when they are not with me for their lessons. This video is one of the best I have found, and I want to congratulate and thank for doing this one. Regards Robin Reid Habermehl, www.robinreidmusic.com
Hey, I'm sure you got it right by now but just wanted to share some advice. There are multiple fingerings for a and b flat that make it even easier. So for a, the fingering is like you're playing the lowest f, but your left index finger is on the a key, and your right one is lifted. And for b flat, you keep the a fingering and add the register key (the b flat key on your left thumb) + the c sharp key (left pinky). Sounds better on most clarinets and also it's easier to cross the break since you move less fingers.
Hi, love your videos. I have a problem, maybe you have some ideas that could help me out...I have only half of my left forefinger and its difficult to reach the E hole and the A lever. I really love the clarinet but it seems my options are limited :(. Would you have any ideas?...Thanks
My hand are like dwarf hand and 8m only 4.9 because of my disabilities,... do you have sujustions to get the top register for the c and b , alternating finger doesn't really work,
Hi Michelle, Does it matter which finger I use to cross the break and using the lever keys, just after. (either Left or Right)? I have short fingers and when I took some private lessons, some time ago, the teacher said I should stretch my left finger from A to Left B or C Levers. Does it really matter if I use the left or right hand, or is it better to just play what is more comfortable and easy flowing? This problem was mentioned especially when I played the scales. I was told it should be played the same way up as coming down the scale. But most of the time my fingers were not placed fully on the lever key. It felt very uncomfortable to stretch from the A key to the Left side levers and I just couldnt get the notes out, struggling most of the time. Rae
Hey ! If it’s really uncomfortable for you, i don’t see the point in hitting the lever with your left hand « because this is how the scale should be played ». Of course it’s best to learn how to play with whatever lever (left or right ) but from my perspective, the convenience for the musician is above all. I had small hands when starting playing and my teacher told me i can use my right hand instead of my left one. I still recommend you to work on your fingers flexibility, but don’t feel bad if you prefere using your right habd over your left one
"A" note key: in top of clarinet. how to click on it at the same time i raise the thumb behind the clarinet@@backunmusical thank you for your interest.❤❤
1;04/10;14 What is the etymology of "squish" ?Is it a recent mix of verbs `squash` and `squeeze`?I hear the onomatapoic sound a ripe fruit dropped on a hard floor.
Check your reed. the new learner needs a "2" strength reed. Not enough mouthpiece in your mouth. hold the clarinet about 10 inches from the body with your head up and straight. that should do it.
"Have them play a low C, it's the first note they learn to play" You mean a Bb. Can you guys just please stop with this transposition nonsense. As a string player and vocalist who has ear training on every pitch it triggers the fuck out of me. There's literally no reason to call a Bb a C.
10/21/23 Dear Michelle, I have watched your free videos on Improving High Notes, Clarinet position, and Finger Technique. I consider myself and advanced intermediate player, but I have not played for many years. Your clarity of step-by-step instruction and demos are most helpful. Thank you!! You are a talented teacher, and I imagine a talented performer too. 👍Doug
I'm an alto saxophonist learning the Bb clarinet. I Enjoy watching this.🤗
I have never seen a video that explains this subject so well. Thank you.
Your videos are so helpful!!! I learned to play clarinet in school and there was no one who really played it so they couldn't really correct us and now I have most of these bad habits and sometimes I had such a hard time playing, but with your tips it got so much better.
This is the same correct way to hold fingers n piano. we call it the pinch and never break knuckles - fingers move less easly so slight curve is best hand for most finger movement on any instruments! thanks so much for this !
Same is true for guitar. And I think pretty much any type of instrument!
As an over-50s brass player who has just bought a cheap clarinet out of curiosity, and who has degenerative musculoskeletal issues, I need to thank you for this clear and informative video. Even if I never take clarinet playing anywhere, even if it just remains an occasional dabble, I feel it is important to start the correct way. I could definitely see myself slipping into bad habits just from knowing no better, using a few random google search results to teach myself to play. Yours is the sort of video that might prevent me slipping into those habits. Thank you. Subscribed.
Thank you for watching Graham! Good luck with the clarinet, and we look forward to helping you choose your first Backun when you're ready!
@@backunmusical afraid I'm likely to remain in the company of plastic CSOs for some time to come. I can't justify shelling out over £100 just on a barrel or ligature, let alone a full clarinet. I've no doubt that quality accompanies price, but I'm nowhere near the level yet where I could even spot the difference, let alone look after such an investment properly.
Wonderful description and imagery with hands on practice to get it right!
I’m a 75 year old learning to think like a student. Where was this information back when? Thanks. 💛Lovin’ life.
This should help me a great deal as Im learning to get back into playing as an adult. Last time I played I was in high school.
Great lesson Michelle, thank you.
when you are a student and probably the first person in your band to take this seriously
Really usefull tips for teaching. Thanks so much!!
Great lesson and a beautiful horn WOW!🙏🏻
cool! Our school band has been playing for a year already and we didn't even get to learn any high notes, it ends up me learning all the hight notes on my own.
it was very difficult in the beginning! my mom gaved me a piece to playing with some high notes. First I thought how is if humanly possible to move your fingers from low notes to high notes that fast 😂
But now I have been self-teaching for a while and I can switch between A and B easily! XD
i get problems crossing from.the A key to the clarion B and C, the sudden change in fingerings from only a finger to all is so suddem that I can't get the A and B to sound fluid
i fear that my clarinet will fall off when i play this note as the left thumb can't support the clarinet
A couple of comments - A to B is a tricky fingering. Try the exercise in this video, and look in a mirror so you can watch your fingers. It can make a big difference to how smoothly you play. If your clarinet feels unsteady, there are some good clarinet neck straps available (BG makes a good one) that can help you feel more stable.
Very nice video with great information. I have been playing sax, clarinet, and flute professionally for 40 years and started on clarinet. In our day, 1960 at six years old, we had to start on clarinet then go to sax, then eventually flute. I get students who, when almost finished high school as sax players, wanting to go to college, and they have never played clarinet or flute. Practicing clarinet helps saxophone but it is my experience, sax doesn't help clarinet. It is really nice to hear someone with this expertise, explain these details so well. I have tried to find great clarinet tutorials for my students to follow when they are not with me for their lessons. This video is one of the best I have found, and I want to congratulate and thank for doing this one. Regards Robin Reid Habermehl, www.robinreidmusic.com
Hey, I'm sure you got it right by now but just wanted to share some advice. There are multiple fingerings for a and b flat that make it even easier.
So for a, the fingering is like you're playing the lowest f, but your left index finger is on the a key, and your right one is lifted.
And for b flat, you keep the a fingering and add the register key (the b flat key on your left thumb) + the c sharp key (left pinky).
Sounds better on most clarinets and also it's easier to cross the break since you move less fingers.
Blou Bear don't worry, with practice you'll get used to it. Pretty much everyone struggles with that at first.
Hi, love your videos. I have a problem, maybe you have some ideas that could help me out...I have only half of my left forefinger and its difficult to reach the E hole and the A lever. I really love the clarinet but it seems my options are limited :(. Would you have any ideas?...Thanks
I wanted to know how to finger a trill A to B natural!
John Sharpe omg same. I think I knew a faster way at some point but I've forgotten lol
top trill key
John Sharpe yea play A like normally and the trill key is the top of the four small connected keys on the upper right side
it is very use full
My hand are like dwarf hand and 8m only 4.9 because of my disabilities,... do you have sujustions to get the top register for the c and b , alternating finger doesn't really work,
Have you considered having the key work modified to better suit your personal needs?
Hi Michelle,
Does it matter which finger I use to cross the break and using the lever keys, just after. (either Left or Right)? I have short fingers and when I took some private lessons, some time ago, the teacher said I should stretch my left finger from A to Left B or C Levers. Does it really matter if I use the left or right hand, or is it better to just play what is more comfortable and easy flowing? This problem was mentioned especially when I played the scales. I was told it should be played the same way up as coming down the scale. But most of the time my fingers were not placed fully on the lever key. It felt very uncomfortable to stretch from the A key to the Left side levers and I just couldnt get the notes out, struggling most of the time.
Rae
Hey ! If it’s really uncomfortable for you, i don’t see the point in hitting the lever with your left hand « because this is how the scale should be played ». Of course it’s best to learn how to play with whatever lever (left or right ) but from my perspective, the convenience for the musician is above all. I had small hands when starting playing and my teacher told me i can use my right hand instead of my left one. I still recommend you to work on your fingers flexibility, but don’t feel bad if you prefere using your right habd over your left one
hi I am in Mrs. molder's class do u know her?
Super advices!Thanks!)
Over analysis leads to paralysis - can you play a piece?
that's not even true. deep analysis is the only way to *get past* paralysis.
Iam overwhelmed about how to click a key and how to rasise my finger from thumb
Can you explain more what you mean?
"A" note key: in top of clarinet.
how to click on it at the same time i raise the thumb behind the clarinet@@backunmusical thank you for your interest.❤❤
@@youssefsoliman3341 Try doing some independent finger exercises and stretching!
I kinda go to far on the thumb rest so yeah.
1;04/10;14 What is the etymology of "squish" ?Is it a recent mix of verbs `squash` and `squeeze`?I hear the onomatapoic sound a ripe fruit dropped on a hard floor.
It comes from the sound that a cunning linguist makes when they find themselves on r/Iamverysmart .
Help all I am getting is squeaky sound..new adult learner
Check your reed. the new learner needs a "2" strength reed. Not enough mouthpiece in your mouth. hold the clarinet about 10 inches from the body with your head up and straight. that should do it.
"Have them play a low C, it's the first note they learn to play"
You mean a Bb.
Can you guys just please stop with this transposition nonsense. As a string player and vocalist who has ear training on every pitch it triggers the fuck out of me. There's literally no reason to call a Bb a C.
… except it literally IS a C on the clarinet. It’s how you finger a written C 🤷🏼♂️ The only person “transposing” is you.
@@johnhwalker No it isn't. I own a chalumeau in c and a clarinet in c and I assure you the note you are calling a c on your clarinet is a b flat.